Hungary to Join European Public Prosecutor's Office

Hungary will officially join the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday.

The move forms part of Budapest's efforts to demonstrate its commitment to tackling corruption, a key condition for unlocking billions of euros in EU funding.

"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," von der Leyen said.

Budapest's decision follows major political changes in the country. In May, after meeting Hungary's new Prime Minister Peter Magyar, von der Leyen signaled a significant improvement in relations between Budapest and Brussels. She also confirmed that the European Union would release €16.4bn ($19.2bn) in previously frozen funding for Hungary.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is an independent EU body responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to trial crimes affecting the Union's financial interests, including fraud involving EU funds.

(Reuters, Max)