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European Commission - Press release Hungary joins the European Public Prosecutor's Office, further strengthening protection of EU funds Brussels, 10 July 2026 Today, the European Commission adopted a decision confirming Hungary's participation in the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), following Hungary's request to join it in May 2026. With today's decision, Hungary will now be the 25th Member State to join ...
European Commission - Press release Hungary joins the European Public Prosecutor's Office, further strengthening protection of EU funds Brussels, 10 July 2026 Today, the European Commission adopted a decision confirming Hungary's participation in the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), following Hungary's request to join it in May 2026. With today's decision, Hungary will now be the 25th Member State to join the EPPO, reflecting its renewed commitment to restoring the rule of law in the country. The EPPO will now have a permanent presence in Hungary to protect EU funds from financial crime. The European Public Prosecutor's Office is in charge of investigating and prosecuting financial crimes involving the EU budget. It significantly contributes to a stronger protection of the Union budget. President von der Leyen said: “ Today brings good news for Hungary. 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. Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor's Office . ” The decision today has important implications, as the EPPO Regulation will cease to be an act under enhanced cooperation and become fully part of the EU acquis. This means that any new Members joining the European Union in the future will be required to join the EPPO. Next steps The Commission's decision will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal. Hungarian authorities will now need to propose 3 candidates for the post of European Prosecutor in Hungary. The Council of the EU will appoint one of them, after considering the opinion of an independent panel. The panel is composed of one former member each of the Court of Justice of the EU, the Court of Auditors, and Eurojust, as well as other high-level justice professionals. Hungary will also need to propose candidates for the posts of European Delegated Prosecutors to the European Chief Prosecutor. The Hungarian authorities will have to take all the necessary steps to ensure that the EPPO can be fully operational in Hungary. This includes providing sufficient material and human resources. The EPPO will be able to start its work twenty days after the Council appoints the European Prosecutor in Hungary. It will be competent to investigate and prosecute crimes involving EU funds committed in Hungary after 1 June 2021, retroactively, when EPPO started its operations. Background EPPO was established in 2021 by, and operates under, the EPPO Regulation . By the end of December 2025, it was dealing with more than 3,600 cases. Denmark and Ireland have opted out of the area of freedom, security and justice under the Treaties. On this basis, they do not participate in the European Public Prosecutor's Office. The EPPO was established through the mechanism of so-called enhanced cooperation, which allows a group of at least nine Member States to integrate more closely in a particular EU policy. When all Member States of the EU participate in a law established under this mechanism, that law becomes part of the ‘acquis communautaire' and is no longer considered to operate under the category of enhanced cooperation. With 25 Member States now part of the EPPO, and the two remaining Member States subject to an opt-out, the EPPO Regulation becomes henceforth part of the EU acquis. For more information EPPO Regulation European Public Prosecutor's Office (the EPPO) - European Commission IP/26/1586 Quote(s): "Today brings good news for Hungary. 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. Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office." Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission - 10/07/2026 "Hungary joining the EPPO is yet another fundamental step for rule of law in Hungary and for the fight against misuse of taxpayer’s money. From now on, Hungarians know there will be an independent, European, public prosecutor ensuring that the EU’s funding goes where it is meant to go. The rule of law and the fight against corruption in Hungary have just gotten stronger." Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy - 10/07/2026 "Today is a historic day both for Hungary and the EU. Protecting our budget is not optional. Every euro safeguarded is a euro that goes back to citizens. The EPPO is a central actor in the fight against fraud in the EU, as shown by every investigation it launches, every successful prosecution it secures and every asset frozen." Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection - 10/07/2026 Press contacts: Markus LAMMERT (+32 2 29 67533) Antoine LOMBA (+32 2 29 93233) General public inquiries: Europe Direct by phone 00 800 67 89 10 11 or by email
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