The Hungarian Integrity Authority is calling for the expansion of powers

Ferenc Biró, President of the Hungarian Integrity Authority called for the expansion of investigative powers at an international press briefing in Brussels. This is his full statement:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As an independent and autonomous state organ, the Hungarian Integrity Authority is the flagship remedial measure under the EU conditionality mechanism. It is expected to effectively prevent, detect, and correct the misuse of EU funds in Hungary. As an autonomous state institution, the Authority stands for and reinforces the separation of powers.

Corruption is not just about laws and money; it is a moral issue. It eats away at the core of our nation, planting inequality and injustice. Its impact hits hardest on the most vulnerable among us, stealing their chances for a better life. To protect Hungary’s future and enhance its competitiveness, we have to join forces and fight corruption and the misuse of position and power.

I am here with you today to recollect an account of the Authority’s first year and to provide a high-level overview of what works and where additional efforts are needed.

Driven by our commitment to integrity, our mission began: to rid our economy of corruption and lay the groundwork for a better future for Hungary.

As an autonomous institution, the Authority aims to serve as a bulwark against corruption, fortifying the pillars of democracy and justice in our society.

It is essential to note here that the authority is not a political actor, that must not and will not have any political affiliations or objectives.

In the areas that the Authority can control or influence, we have made significant progress. Despite starting from humble beginnings, we have transformed into a reputable organization that commands respect both domestically and internationally.

Through reviews and investigations, we have uncovered systemic flaws and inefficiencies in the administration of public funds.

Some highlights of our tangible results include:

• In 2023, we investigated cases involving 304 million EUR of EU funds, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding taxpayer money.

• We have put forward a total of 19 measures and 12 recommendations across 5 closed investigations by the end of 2023, with additional cases already closed in Q1 2024.

• Our team expanded from just 3 employees in December 2022 to 81 dedicated professionals by the end of 2023. The current headcount is 98.

• We received 215 citizen reports by December 31, 2023, with 114 pertaining to EU funds, underscoring the public’s trust in our institution.

• The Authority filed 2 criminal complaints and notified relevant authorities, including OLAF and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, signaling our commitment to accountability at the highest levels.

• We have published unique reviews and developed improvement suggestions on the Hungarian public procurement landscape, the integrity risks in the Hungarian public administration, and the Hungarian Asset declaration system. These reports are all available on our website.

While our achievements are commendable, our work is far from over. As we look ahead to the future, we remain persistent in our commitment to promoting a culture of integrity and accountability. Through initiatives like the Integrity Academy and strategic partnerships, we continue to educate, inspire, and lead by example.

Unfortunately, good news goes only so far.

We have conducted research among institutions with similar mandates across the EU. This research has shown that successful and impactful institutions stand on two mutually supportive pillars. Them being autonomy and executable investigative powers.

The concerns voiced by the European Council in and after the implementation decision seem to have come true unfortunately. The Integrity Authority’s powers are insufficient and even the ones that are granted are not executable.

At this point, I wish to remind all parties involved that the Integrity Authority is expected to effectively prevent, detect, and correct the misuse of EU funds. This is a serious mission that requires proper tools and powers.

These we do not have.

The Authority has developed the proposed amendments to the legislation and provided this to both the Hungarian Ministry of Justice and the European Commission. We believe that the suggested amendments and only the suggested amendments will enable the Integrity Authority to fulfill its mandate.

In closing, let me reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the fight against corruption. Together, we can build a future where honesty, transparency, and integrity prevail.