Hungary Joins EPPO
Hungary Officially Joins European Public Prosecutor's Office to Combat Corruption and Scrutinize EU Funds
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Key Points
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EPPO investigations in Hungary can cover alleged crimes involving EU funds dating back to 1 June 2021, the date EPPO began operating.
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Hungary must nominate three eligible candidates for the post of European Prosecutor; the Council will appoint one after consideration by an independent panel that includes a former member of the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, and Eurojust along with other high-level justice professionals.
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The EPPO regulation will cease to be an act under enhanced cooperation and will become fully part of the EU acquis, meaning future EU members will be required to join the EPPO.
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Denmark and Ireland remain outside the EPPO due to opt-outs from EU justice and home affairs, highlighting continued variances in EU-wide judicial cooperation.
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Hungary will have a permanent EPPO presence to protect EU funds, with authorities required to take steps to ensure the office is fully operational nationwide.
Hungary has formally joined the European Public Prosecutor's Office, making it the 25th member of the EU's anti-fraud body. Yahoo News reported that the move was initiated by the new government of Péter Magyar after his landslide victory ended Viktor Orbán's long rule. EPPO investigators can now scrutinize alleged crimes involving EU funds in Hungary going all the way back to June 1, 2021 — the day EPPO first began operating.
The European Commission approved Hungary's entry, with President Ursula von der Leyen calling it a meaningful step to protect taxpayers and ensure EU money serves both Hungarian and European interests. Hungary is expected to be fully operational within the EPPO framework by May 2026, according to PubAffairs Bruxelles.
Magyar's Victory Unlocks Hungary's EPPO Membership
Péter Magyar swept to power pledging to root out corruption — and one of his first major moves was applying to join EPPO. The office investigates fraud and corruption involving EU funds. Under Orbán, Hungary had refused to join, putting it at odds with most of the bloc. Yahoo News noted that Magyar's government moved quickly to change course after taking office.
The shift matters because billions in EU funds flow into Hungary each year. Without EPPO membership, those funds had far less independent oversight. MarketScreener reported that the Commission sees Hungary's accession as a sign of renewed commitment to fighting corruption and aligning with EU rule-of-law standards.
Investigators Can Now Probe Orbán-Era EU Fund Abuses
One of the most significant details is the retroactive reach. EPPO investigators can look at suspected crimes involving EU funds in Hungary dating back to June 1, 2021. That covers the final years of Orbán's rule. Yahoo News reported this means long-standing allegations of EU fund misuse could now face formal EU-level scrutiny for the first time.
Hungary must now nominate three candidates for the post of European Prosecutor. An independent panel — which includes a former member of the Court of Justice, the Court of Auditors, and Eurojust — will review them. The Council then appoints one. Hungary must also build a permanent EPPO presence on its territory to ensure the office can operate nationwide, according to PubAffairs Bruxelles.
EPPO Becomes Full EU Law, Locking In Future Members
Hungary's entry triggers a major legal change. Until now, EPPO operated under what's called "enhanced cooperation" — a mechanism that lets a group of EU countries work together without all members taking part. With Hungary joining as the 25th member, EPPO will become a full part of EU law. That means every country that joins the EU in the future will be required to join EPPO automatically.
Only Denmark and Ireland stay outside the office. Both countries have opt-outs from EU justice and home affairs rules. MarketScreener noted the broader move signals the EU tightening oversight of how member states spend the bloc's money, especially as the next long-term EU budget takes shape.
Frozen EU Funds Could Flow as Hungary Reforms Advance
The EU had previously frozen billions in funds for Hungary over rule-of-law concerns. Joining EPPO is part of a broader effort by Budapest to meet EU conditions and unlock that money. PubAffairs Bruxelles reported that EPPO participation is now linked directly to the EU's budget safeguard mechanism — essentially tying anti-corruption reforms to access to EU cash.
Officials say Hungary will need to show the EPPO office is fully operational before it is treated as fully compliant. The reforms represent a sharp reversal from the Orbán era. Von der Leyen said the decision shows that EU funds will be better protected and will serve the people they are meant for — both in Hungary and across Europe.
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