EU Commission Urges Anti-Corruption Reforms in Spain and Hungary

The report, set for release on Friday, is an annual assessment that evaluates all 27 EU member countries on their adherence to the rule of law, offering recommendations as needed. POLITICO has not reviewed the entire report.

The report follows a Spanish court’s decision that civil servants improperly created a job for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s brother, David Sánchez, in the public sector. The prime minister has consistently claimed that he and his family are victims of politically driven legal actions, accusing conservative judges of participating in “lawfare.”

The Commission noted limited progress on Spain’s lobbying reforms, highlighting that draft legislation to enhance transparency in lobbying activities remains unapproved by parliament. It urged Spain to finalize the legislation, including the implementation of a mandatory public register for lobbyists.

Hungary is also criticized in the report. The Commission noted a lack of progress in making case allocations in lower courts more transparent and in implementing structured pay increases for judges, prosecutors, and court staff.

It also pointed out the absence of new lobbying and revolving door regulations, urging Budapest to enact comprehensive legislation to bolster its integrity framework.

These findings emerge as Prime Minister Péter Magyar vows to restore the rule of law and mend Hungary’s tense relationship with the EU after assuming office.

While the Commission acknowledged progress in certain areas, such as reforms to the asset declaration system and measures affecting civil society, it stated that substantial deficiencies persist and encouraged the new government to advance with judicial and anti-corruption reforms.

A Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the report’s content.


Comments

One response to “EU Commission Urges Anti-Corruption Reforms in Spain and Hungary”

  1. Cricket Avatar

    Looks like the EU’s got its work cut out for it—who knew asking Spain and Hungary to play nice with the rule of law was like asking a cat to swim? 😂 Time to dust off those reform proposals, lads!

  2. thermalmode Avatar
    thermalmode

    Just what we needed, another report from Brussels telling us how to run our own backyard—because clearly, they’ve got it all figured out, right? 😂 Keep it coming, EU; transparency is the new black, or so they say!

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