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 responsible for investigating criminal offences against the EU budget. Hungary submitted its application for accession 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 protective mechanism ensuring that EU funds are used in their interest.
The decision has a wider legal implication. The regulation on the EPPO ceases to be an act of enhanced cooperation and becomes part of the EU acquis, meaning that all states that join the Union in the future must also accede to 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 its 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 start working in Hungary 20 days after the Council appoints the European Prosecutor, and it will have retroactive jurisdiction over criminal offences against EU funds committed in Hungary after 1 June 2021, when the office began its work.
The EPPO was established in 2021, and by the end of December 2025 it had handled more than 3600 cases.
