Hungary resolves to create an anti-corruption authority to receive EU funds

Hungarian Prime Minister VIktor Orban had said he did not need European recovery funds, but had to do an about-face after the change in the economic situation.

Here, during a visit to Vienna, July 28, 2022. © Theresa Wey / AP

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2 mins

While the European Union allocated almost six billion euros to Hungary to revive its economy post-Covid-19, the country was not sure to touch the funds.

Because Brussels demands more transparency in its use: Hungary is the second most corrupt country in Europe, and according to several reports, this goes all the way to the top of the state.

To obtain the release of funds, the government of Viktor Orban announced on Monday September 5 that it wanted to create an Authority responsible for the fight against corruption.

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With our correspondent in Budapest,

Several reports from the European Parliament point to a corrupt regime right up to the top:

.

In terms of fighting corruption, Hungary is the second most corrupt country in Europe.

Before

, Prime Minister Viktor Orban assured that he did not need European money.

But since then, the economic situation has deteriorated: the state coffers are empty, because the government has given many gifts to voters.

Budapest therefore has an urgent need for European funds and

: Hungary will set up an Independent Authority to supervise the way in which European funds are spent.

This new body will be responsible for " 

" concerning the management of community funds, according to a decree published Monday evening, September 5th.

Budapest will also set up a working group to advise the new authority, a group which will be made up of government delegates and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The new anti-corruption authority should see the light of day by the end of November.

If Viktor Orban has watered down his wine, it is because time is running out: if an agreement is not concluded with Brussels by the end of the year, Hungary will lose 70% of the subsidies allocated by the recovery plan.

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• Hungary

• Corruption

• European Union

• Victor Orban