Sources at the Ministry of Justice have responded to the allegations reportedly raised by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding recent legislative initiatives by the Greek government, citing public statements made by European Prosecutor Laura Kovesi at the 11th Delphi Economic Forum.
The ministry’s response comes after Ms. Kovesi’s letter to the Commission regarding the Floridis amendment, in which the European Public Prosecutor’s Office reportedly expressed reservations about the cooperation of Greek authorities and the implications of recent legislative changes for the operation of the EPPO in Greece.
Kovesi’s references to contacts with ministers
According to government sources, Ms. on April 23, 2026, demonstrate that there was substantive communication and an exchange of views between the Greek government and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the changes being considered to the institutional framework.
As they point out, the European Prosecutor had reported that she had met with the Minister of the Interior to secure more resources to support the investigations, while she had also held discussions with the Minister of Justice regarding potential legislative measures aimed at expediting the proceedings.
“I understand that they want to do something to speed up the process. I really welcome that. And I agree that we need to do something,” Ms. Kovesi had stated.
At the same time, she noted that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office has a comprehensive overview of the judicial systems of the member states and can contribute its expertise to the relevant discussions.
Sources at the Ministry of Justice argue that these specific public statements refute claims of a lack of coordination with the Greek side.
“Ms. Kovesi herself publicly acknowledged that there was substantial communication and coordination with the Greek government both regarding the acceleration of proceedings and the necessary legislative measures that would enhance the effectiveness of the investigations. “It is therefore obvious that there was no surprise for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office,” government sources noted.
Objections regarding the term of office of prosecutors and the Floridis amendment
At the center of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s objections are reportedly the two-year renewal of the term of European Delegated Prosecutors instead of a five-year term, as well as the amendment providing for expedited judicial proceedings in cases involving political figures, with the investigation to be assigned to a special appellate judge.
Government sources insist, however, that the changes had been put up for discussion and that the Greek side had informed the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in a timely manner about the proposed amendments.
SOURCE: www.kathimerini.gr