The European Commission has expressed its full backing for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and its European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi, following criticism directed at the institution over its handling of the OPEKEPE case.
European Commissioner McGrath, responsible for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said the Commission fully supports EPPO’s role in investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the European Union’s financial interests.
His statement came in response to a question from Greek MEP Kostas Arvanitis of SYRIZA-PS, vice president of the Left group in the European Parliament, regarding public criticism targeting the European institution, Kövesi and European delegated prosecutors in connection with the OPEKEPE investigation.
Commission ready to cooperate with national authorities
McGrath said the European Commission is willing to contact national authorities to reiterate its consistent support for EPPO and its activities.
He stressed that EPPO operates under the principle of the rule of law and is required to conduct investigations impartially while fully respecting the fundamental rights protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of maintaining EPPO’s independence from EU institutions, other bodies and member states.
EPPO should investigate crimes affecting EU funds
According to McGrath, EPPO must be able to investigate all crimes affecting the EU budget, regardless of who may be responsible.
The European Commission, he said, respects EPPO’s independence and supports a respectful exchange of views with the prosecutor’s office, including discussions involving public authorities of EU member states.
He warned that undermining the legitimacy of EPPO could also weaken citizens’ trust in the institution.
