EU to table new anti-corruption proposals by year-end, boost European Public Prosecutor's Office

The European Commission is set to table a series of new anti-corruption proposals before the end of the year, following the publication of reports examining rule-of-law issues across all 27 member states.

Strengthening the European Public Prosecutor's Office

Speaking to reporters in Brussels, EU Democracy Commissioner Michael McGrath announced that the new proposals aim to strengthen the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), a Luxembourg-based body already empowered to launch criminal investigations.

"We have conducted an evaluation of the EPPO that will lead to a proposed revision of the EPPO regulation later this year," McGrath said.

The proposal will also review the EU's anti-fraud architecture — a broad framework of policies, rules, and agencies designed to prevent the misuse of EU taxpayer funds.

Calls for Advanced Monitoring Systems

The EPPO last year called for greater investment in advanced IT systems capable of real-time monitoring and shared risk analysis, along with the use of AI tools to identify suspicious patterns and flag high-risk transactions.

These warnings came amid broader concerns that the design of the EU's next long-term budget would leave it vulnerable to abuse.

Hungary Joins EPPO

With Hungary now joining the EPPO, the development is likely to unsettle individuals linked to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, amid widespread allegations of fraud involving EU funds during his tenure.

Prime Minister Peter Magyar has pledged to dismantle Orbán's 16-year legacy, though the Commission's latest rule-of-law report indicates outstanding issues remain.

"Some issues that were considered as highly problematic last year have already been addressed to quite a large extent by the new government," said one EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official noted that Hungary had disbanded the so-called sovereignty protection office established under Orbán, which had been used to target civil society and independent media.

However, the report also notes that:

• "Obstacles hindering the work of independent civil society organisations are yet to be removed"
• "No steps have been taken yet to adopt comprehensive legislation on lobbying and revolving doors"

Revolving Doors and Lobbying Rules

McGrath declined to comment on Hungary's former trade and foreign affairs minister Péter Szijjártó, who took up a senior position at Chinese manufacturer BYD. However, he described the issue of lobbying rules and revolving doors — where politicians take jobs in sectors they previously regulated — as a widespread problem across EU states.

Despite having a low perception of corruption, Denmark has no plans to introduce rules on revolving doors for ministers or on lobbying. Sweden only recently adopted legislation requiring lobbyists to register their contacts with politicians.

In Spain, a proposed law to improve lobbying rules and government transparency has yet to be passed by parliament.

"Shortcomings remain regarding compliance with transparency obligations related to political party financing," the report states.

It also notes that the new national whistleblower authority has begun operating with limited funding and staffing.