The legislative push was overshadowed by developments at the very institution it seeks to empower
BUDAPEST – The Hungarian government has submitted a 110-page legislative package to parliament aimed at meeting the European Commission’s “super milestones” and unlocking €10.4 billion in frozen EU recovery funds.
Presented by Deputy Prime Minister Bálint Ruff on Tuesday evening, the bill would significantly expand the powers of the Integrity Authority, granting it access to banking and tax records and allowing it to scrutinise the asset declarations of senior public officials, including MPs, judges and mayors.
The stakes are high: Hungary stands to unlock €10.4 billion in frozen EU funds if it satisfies the Commission’s “super milestones” on anti-corruption safeguards, transparency and rule-of-law reforms.
According to the draft, knowingly submitting false declarations would become a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison, while the Integrity Authority would also gain new powers over public procurement.
