STORY
Hungary’s Government is preparing to submit anti-corruption legislation to parliament as part of efforts to unlock suspended European Union funding. Reuters reported that Transport and Investment Minister David Vitezy said the bill would be tabled next week and would address EU rule of law criteria.
The proposed reforms are expected to strengthen Hungary’s Integrity Authority and increase transparency around public officials’ asset declarations. Omissions from declarations could be punishable by up to two years in prison under the proposed legislation.
The move follows Prime Minister Peter Magyar’s pro-EU shift after Hungary’s April election. The Government says the reforms could release up to €10 billion in EU funds for transport, renewable energy, small business support and housing, while also helping to protect access to recovery and cohesion funding before deadlines expire.