Against the backdrop of critical developments in the OPEKEPE case, the attacks that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has faced, the anticipated internal procedures for renewing the terms of the three delegated prosecutors, and the serious case files being handled by the European prosecutors, EPPO chief Laura Kovesi met with the political leadership of the Ministry of Justice.
The meeting, which lasted thirty-five minutes, was attended by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis, Deputy Minister Ioannis Bougas, the head of the delegated European prosecutors — Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor Eleni Karkampouna, and prosecutor Antonis Papamatthaiou.
The meeting took place in a positive atmosphere, and a series of critical issues concerning the functioning of the EPPO were placed on the table, issues that Laura Kovesi herself had also raised during her previous visit last October.
According to sources, the political leadership of the Ministry of Justice informed Ms. Kovesi that procedures have been set in motion to increase the number of delegated European prosecutor positions and the necessary administrative staff, so that pending cases in the EPPO’s sights can be concluded as quickly as possible.
According to the same sources, the Justice Minister assured Laura Kovesi of the Greek government’s unwavering support for the EPPO, an institution that in recent days, following the OPEKEPE case, has come under multiple attacks and criticism.
The EPPO chief wished to be informed about the expected timeline for the Supreme Court to complete its procedures, with the Ministry, according to competent sources, estimating that decisions will be taken within May, while clarifying that the law provides for no ministerial intervention in the sovereign decision of the Supreme Judicial Council.
Furthermore, the discussion, described by competent sources as having taken place in a good atmosphere, also touched on a regulation being prepared by the Ministry of Justice, reinstating an older provision aimed at expediting the handling of criminal cases involving public figures.
The political leadership of the Ministry of Justice also reiterated what the Prime Minister has requested: that the European Prosecutor’s Office move forward immediately with proceedings following the Parliament’s decision to lift immunity in connection with the OPEKEPE cases. It is worth noting, however, that regardless of the forthcoming legislative amendment, this is precisely the intention of the European Prosecutors handling the case, as there is also a risk of the statute of limitations expiring.
