At the ‘Justice and Home Affairs’ Council held in Luxembourg on Friday 9 June, the Chief Prosecutor, Laura Kövesi, presented the results of the recent activities of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which was launched on 1 June 2021 (see EUROPE 12731/2).
The ministers from the Member States were briefed on the latest developments in the operation and remit of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
One of the points discussed at the meeting was the appointment by the EU Council of eight European Prosecutors. This important step marks a significant advance in the establishment of this institution, which is responsible for combating offences against the financial interests of the European Union. European prosecutors will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting cross-border crimes linked to fraud, corruption and other serious illegal activities affecting EU finances.
Another topic of discussion was the EPPO’s cooperation with third countries under the Council of Europe’s European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.
Laura Kövesi informed the ministers that the workload within the European Public Prosecutor’s Office was increasing faster than expected and that its budget request for 2024 clarified its capacity to need further reinforcement. She noted that EPPO is at a crossroads: “You may consider that despite the many difficulties and shortcomings, EPPO is already working fairly well. Or you may consider that EPPO should perform better and do more”.
Ms Kövesi told the ministers that she was convinced that EPPO should be more effective, particularly in the fight against organised crime groups and in improving the recovery of damages. She also reiterated her belief that EPPO should do more. “EPPO is the best criminal law instrument available for investigating and prosecuting violations of EU restrictive measures in an effective and consistent manner”, she said.
The European Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, also spoke to Ms Kövesi after the EU Council meeting, saying that he had “congratulated [her] and her team” on the end of their first two years in office. Mr Reynders also encouraged the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to maintain continuity. “To achieve this, I would like to see strong and sincere cooperation between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Member States and third countries”, he added. He concluded: “The study to be carried out this summer by the Commission will be invaluable for the further work of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. There will be amendments to improve its operation, and we have stressed the urgent need for excellent cooperation with all the Member States”. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)