Full Breakdown
EPPO Accuses Greece of Undermining EU Anti-Fraud Cooperation
5/25/2026, 8:48:03 PM
EPPO Complaint and Farm-Fraud Probe
On Friday, EPPO chief Laura Kövesi wrote to the European Commission warning that a “hasty” move by the Greek government undermines the EPPO’s ability to investigate and prosecute offences within its competence in Greece. The complaint follows the Greek Supreme Judicial Council’s decision to renew the mandates of three European Delegated Prosecutors for only two years, not the five-year term the EPPO requested. The prosecutors are probing a farm-fraud scandal and have asked the Greek parliament to lift the immunity of several lawmakers, with more cases expected.
Key Actors
- European Public Prosecutor Office (EPPO) – EU body leading the farm-fraud probe.
- Laura Kövesi – EPPO chief prosecutor.
- Greek Supreme Judicial Council – Authority that set the two-year mandate.
- Giorgos Floridis – Justice Minister whose portfolio amendment is contested.
- European Commission – EU executive that received the complaint.
- Greek Parliament – Body asked to lift lawmakers’ immunity.
Data Summary
- Three European Delegated Prosecutors are handling the farm-fraud probe.
- EPPO asked for a five-year renewal; the council granted a two-year term.
- The scandal involves several lawmakers; the exact number is not disclosed.
Impact on EU Anti-Fraud Efforts
The two-year mandate and the contested amendment, according to the EPPO, weaken its independence and hamper investigations. Failure to meet the EU’s “sincere cooperation” principle could reduce the effectiveness of cross-border anti-fraud mechanisms and delay prosecutions.
Official Statements & Responses
Kövesi’s letter stresses that the Greek actions jeopardize the EPPO’s investigative capacity and independence, raising doubts about Greece’s cooperation. A European Commission spokesperson confirmed receipt of the complaint and said the Commission will examine the amendment.
Criticism & Opposition
The EPPO frames the Greek decision as a breach of the EU’s “sincere cooperation” rule. No Greek official response appears in the source, indicating an absence of a rebuttal.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The source does not explain why the council limited the mandate to two years, nor does it detail the amendment’s content. The exact number of implicated lawmakers remains unspecified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “hasty” move by the government in Athens “has a negative effect on the EPPO’s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute offences under its competence in Greece.” — Laura Kövesi, EPPO Chief Prosecutor
- “has a negative effect on the EPPO’s independence in Greece.” — Laura Kövesi, EPPO Chief Prosecutor
- “cast serious doubts as to the Greek authorities’ compliance with their obligation of sincere cooperation” — Laura Kövesi, EPPO Chief Prosecutor
- “Regarding the amendment, we are aware of its adoption in the Greek Parliament and will examine it,” — European Commission spokesperson
Outlook
The EPPO expects more farm-fraud cases to be referred to Greek authorities, while the Commission plans to review the amendment. Ongoing dialogue will determine whether Greece adjusts its cooperation framework.
