Laura Kövesi, the first-ever European Chief Prosecutor, is increasingly becoming a familiar name in Greece. As head of the newly formed European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), she is tasked with investigating the misuse of EU funds—a mission that has brought her straight into the heart of several scandals involving Greece.
Currently, EPPO is probing allegations of large-scale embezzlement of EU agricultural subsidies managed by the Greek state agency OPEKEPE. But this is not Kövesi’s first encounter with Greek affairs.
Long before the tragic Tempi railway accident in 2023 thrust it into the public eye, she had already begun investigating Contract 717—a controversial railway modernization agreement—alleging mismanagement and delays. Despite facing significant resistance, Kövesi’s office has pressed charges against individuals involved and openly criticized the Greek government for obstructing the investigation.
Her efforts aren’t limited to national governments. EPPO is also examining possible criminal misconduct during the EU’s COVID-19 vaccine procurement. At the center of this probe are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla, particularly concerning undisclosed SMS exchanges.
The European Court of Justice has already condemned von der Leyen for failing to release these messages, ruling that the Commission failed to provide a reasonable explanation and ordering her to cover court expenses.
Who is Laura Kövesi?
Born in 1973 in Sfântu Gheorghe, Transylvania, Kövesi holds a PhD specializing in the fight against organized crime. She became Romania’s first female Attorney General in 2006 and later led the National Anticorruption Directorate, prosecuting high-level officials. Backed by the EU and U.S., she was appointed as the first European Chief Prosecutor in 2019.
What Does EPPO Do?
Headquartered in Luxembourg, the EPPO operates with a decentralized structure comprising 35 offices across 22 EU member states. Since gaining financial independence in June 2021, it receives an annual budget of 45 million euros.
EPPO focuses on what are known as PIF crimes—offenses that harm the EU’s financial interests. These include:
• Cross-border VAT fraud exceeding 10 million euros
• Fraud involving EU spending or customs
• Corruption impacting EU funds
• Embezzlement of EU assets by public officials
• Money laundering linked to EU financial interests
