Hungary to join European Public Prosecutor's Office

The European Commission has confirmed Hungary's participation in the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), which will be empowered to conduct investigations into cases involving the misuse of EU budget funds from June 1, 2021, European Commission Spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said at a briefing in Brussels, Report informs.

He stated that the decision was based on Hungary's formal request to join the EPPO, submitted in May 2026.

Hungary will become the 25th EU Member State to join the EPPO.

Mercier clarified that, at the request of the Hungarian authorities, the EPPO's jurisdiction will extend to previous years.

This means that investigations will be able to cover alleged violations committed not only after Hungary's accession to the organization.

The EPPO will be empowered to investigate, prosecute, and prosecute financial crimes committed in Hungary from June 1, 2021, the European Commission spokesperson said.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes that harm the EU's financial interests, including fraud with European funds, corruption, and cross-border VAT fraud schemes.

The European Commission's decision will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

Following this, Hungary will be required to nominate three candidates for the post of European Public Prosecutor, one of whom will be appointed by the Council of the EU following an assessment by an independent expert committee.

As Mercier noted, the EPPO will be able to begin its work in Hungary 20 days after the appointment of the Hungarian European Public Prosecutor by the Council of the EU.