Hungary is set to join the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday, describing the move as an important step in the fight against fraud and corruption.
The decision comes as Hungary moves closer to receiving billions of euros in European Union funding that had previously been withheld over concerns about corruption.
“This is a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. The people of Hungary will now have a safeguard in place to ensure EU funds work in their interest,” von der Leyen said in a statement.
Move Linked to EU Funding
The European Commission said Hungary’s participation in the EPPO would provide additional oversight in ensuring EU funds are properly protected.
In May, von der Leyen said that following a meeting with Hungary’s new Prime Minister Peter Magyar, the EU would unlock €16.4 billion ($18.7 billion) in funds for Budapest that had previously been blocked due to corruption concerns.
The decision to join the EPPO represents a change in Hungary’s approach to the EU body, which investigates and prosecutes crimes affecting the bloc’s financial interests.
Step Toward Fighting Fraud
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office was established to investigate offences involving EU funds, including fraud and corruption affecting the European budget.
Von der Leyen said Hungary’s decision would give Hungarian citizens an additional safeguard that EU resources are being used in their interest.
The European Commission did not provide further details on the timeline for Hungary’s participation in the office as reported in Reuters.
