László Kovács (politician)

László Kovács (born June 3, 1939) is a Hungarian politician. He served as the European Commissioner for Taxation and Customs Union from 2004 to 2010.

Born in Sárszentmiklós, Hungary, Kovács graduated from the Karl Marx University of Economics (now Corvinus University of Budapest) in 1961. He joined the Hungarian Socialist Workers' Party (MSZMP) in 1968.

Following the end of communism in Hungary, Kovács played a significant role in the transition to a multi-party democracy and the reform of the Hungarian Socialist Party (MSZP), the successor to the MSZMP. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Hungary twice, from 1994 to 1998 and again from 2002 to 2004.

As Foreign Minister, Kovács oversaw Hungary's accession to NATO in 1999 and played a key role in preparing the country for its accession to the European Union in 2004. His tenure in the European Commission was marked by efforts to combat tax fraud and harmonize tax policies within the EU.

Kovács's nomination as a European Commissioner faced scrutiny due to his past associations with the communist regime and questions surrounding his financial affairs. Despite the controversy, he was ultimately approved by the European Parliament. Since leaving the European Commission, he has remained active in Hungarian politics and public life.