On Wednesday 5 July, the European Parliament approved the draft directive on sanctions under criminal law against fraud harming the financial interests of the EU. This is the result of a recent compromise between the EU institutions.
The text provides for common definitions of a number of offences related to fraud: active and passive corruption, diversion of funds, VAT fraud (when at least two member states are involved and the damages are €10 million or above).
The agreement also lays down a prescription period of at least five years within which the case must be investigated and a maximum penalty equivalent to four years' imprisonment when the damage is at least €100,000.
The European definition of offences against the EU budget also lays down the mandate of the new European Public Prosecutor Office, to be up and running sometime between 2020 and 2021. It will be authorised to take action against individuals and organisations that have committed offences against the EU budget.
The provisions of the directive will be applied by the national law enforcement authorities. The member states will now have two years to apply the measures laid down in the directive. Denmark and the United Kingdom have opted out. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)