The European Commission on Friday adopted a decision confirming Hungary's participation in the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). Hungary thereby becomes the 25th member state to join the body.
The Commission stated in a press release that the EPPO will now have a permanent presence in Hungary to protect EU funds from financial crime.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office is tasked with investigating and prosecuting financial crimes against the EU budget. Hungary submitted its application to join in May 2026.
"Hungary, welcome to the European Public Prosecutor's Office," said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, describing the decision as a welcome step in the fight against fraud and corruption. She added that Hungarian citizens would now have a safeguard mechanism ensuring that EU funds work in their interest.
The decision also has broader legal implications. The EPPO Regulation ceases to be an act within the framework of so-called enhanced cooperation and becomes part of the EU legal acquis, meaning all states that join the Union in the future must also join the EPPO. The only member states outside the system are Denmark and Ireland, which have opt-outs from the area of freedom, security and justice.
The Commission's decision enters into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal. Hungarian authorities must now propose three candidates for the post of European Prosecutor in Hungary, one of whom will be appointed by the EU Council following an opinion from an independent committee. Hungary must also propose candidates for delegated European prosecutors and ensure resources for the full operational capacity of the office.
The EPPO will be able to begin operations in Hungary 20 days after the Council appoints the European Prosecutor. It will have retroactive jurisdiction over financial crimes against EU funds committed in Hungary after 1 June 2021, when the office began its work.
The EPPO was established in 2021 and had handled more than 3,600 cases by the end of December 2025.
