20/03/2020 (Agence Europe) – The formation of the College of European Public Prosecutors of the European Public Prosecutor's Office is again delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Questioned by EUROPE, on Thursday 19 March, a European Commission official told us that “the exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has forced the selection panel for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to postpone the interview of the Maltese candidates scheduled for 13 March 2020” (see EUROPE 12429/7). According to the same official, alternative arrangements are being explored so that the selection procedure can be finalised “as soon as possible”. The appointment of the European Public Prosecutors had been put on hold because of Malta’s difficulties in appointing several candidates. However, in the absence of a College, several decisions cannot be taken, which risks delaying the entry into office of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, scheduled for November 2020. Nevertheless, the Commission is optimistic and claims that the aim remains to have the European Public Prosecutor's Office operational this year. (MF)