Interior Minister’s Focus on Combating Organized Crime
Hungarian Minister Sándor Pintér emphasized the importance of combating organized crime within the European Union during the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Speaking at a meeting of EU interior ministers in Luxembourg, he highlighted the need to address various aspects of organized crime, including online crimes, child protection, and Schengen area issues.
The Minister stated that return policies are a significant challenge within the Schengen area and stressed the necessity of discussing the full accession of Romania and Bulgaria to the Schengen zone. He warned that the presence of war and armed conflict at the EU’s borders underscores the critical importance of meeting Schengen requirements.
According to data from Eurojust between 2010 and 2023, organized crime in Hungary has been on the rise, mirroring broader trends across the EU. Criminal networks exploit legal business structures to launder illicit profits, estimated to total EUR 139 billion annually within the EU. The Hungarian authorities have faced challenges in tackling these transnational networks, leading to increased cooperation through initiatives like Eurojust and the EU Strategy to Combat Organized Crime (2021-2025). Reports also indicate a rise in violent incidents linked to organized crime, particularly involving firearms.
Hungary has made significant progress in reducing its crime rate, with the number of crimes dropping by more than half since 2010. This positive development showcases the country’s commitment to combatting crime and ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
Overall, Minister Sándor Pintér’s remarks underscore the Hungarian government’s dedication to addressing organized crime within the EU and implementing measures to enhance security and stability across the region.
