Most MEPs called for a strong and efficient EPPO to protect EU funds and fight corruption, in a debate in plenary with Council and Commission.
In a debate in plenary, both the Portuguese Secretary of State Ana Paula Zacarias on behalf of the Council and Commissioner Dider Reynders reiterated that it is crucial for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to function well. Commissioner Reynders regretted that the EPPO had to start operations without the nominations of all delegated prosecutors being finalised, and pointed to delays in several member states, including in Finland – which has been resolved in the meantime – and Slovenia, where he contacted national authorities for clarifications, and hoped the nomination procedures will be completed swiftly and transparently.
The EPPO must be strong and efficient to protect EU funds robustly, notably in recovery efforts, fighting corruption and to protect the rule of law, most MEPs said. They insisted that nominations should be concluded as soon as possible, with several referring to problematic delays in Slovenia, just before the country takes over the Presidency of the Council on 1 July 2021.
While some regretted that not all EU states participate in the EPPO, others considered that national judiciaries were sovereign and could successfully prosecute crimes against EU budget without being part of the EPPO.
You can catch up with the full debate here.
Further information
- Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs
- Budgetary Control Committee
- European Public Prosecutor’s Office
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