Hungarian government moves to address corruption and joins EU Public Prosecutor's Office

The Hungarian government has submitted a bill to parliament to establish the National Office for Asset Protection and Recovery, an independent body tasked with investigating past and future financial abuses. Prime Minister Peter Magyar, whose administration succeeded Viktor Orban after his 16-year tenure, claims corruption cost Hungary 8-10% of its GDP in recent years. The office is designed to identify, trace, and recover illegally obtained public assets. Simultaneously, the European Commission confirmed Hungary's entry into the European Public Prosecutor's Office, making it the 25th EU member state to join. This move allows the European Public Prosecutor's Office to investigate potential fraud involving EU funds retroactively, including cases dating back to the Orban administration. While former Prime Minister Viktor Orban has consistently denied allegations of corruption, these institutional changes are framed as critical steps to restore fiscal integrity and unlock European funding. The newly formed national office will be led by a president and four deputies. The European Public Prosecutor's Office, which has been operational since 2021, remains the primary mechanism for investigating the mismanagement of EU-wide financial resources.