Written question to the European Commission, seeking clarification on the unprecedented risk of losing European funds due to the government’s negligence, was submitted by PASOK MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets, Nikolas Farantouris.
As the Greek MEP and professor of European law points out “for the first time, our country—through the government’s sole responsibility—faces the risk of procedures being triggered to withhold European funds due to violations of the principles of the rule of law.”
Greece in the referral process
On May 22, 2026, the European Public Prosecutor, in a letter to the European Commission, highlighted serious violations that undermine the independence and effectiveness of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Greece and explicitly raised the issue within the framework of Regulation (EU) 2020/2092 on the protection of the Union budget.
As Laura Kovesi, head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, points out in her letter, the government proceeded to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure by establishing a special (lenient) procedure for felonies committed by members of parliament, at the same time that the Supreme Judicial Council refused to recognize the decision of the College of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the renewal of the terms of three European Delegated Prosecutors.
The European Prosecutor cites “negative consequences for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s ability to effectively investigate and prosecute crimes, ” of a “negative impact on its independence,” and of “serious doubts regarding the Greek authorities’ compliance with the obligation of sincere cooperation (Article 4(3) TEU).”
PASOK Intervention to Restore Order and Prevent Loss of Funds
In his written question, PASOK MEP Nikolas Farantouris calls on the European Commission to take a position and provide a specific response:
- a) Whether it has reviewed the letter from the European Public Prosecutor.
- b) How he assesses the legislative amendments and decisions of the Greek government.
- c) What measures he intends to propose to the Greek government to address these serious concerns.
In statements made from Brussels, Nikolas Farantouris points out that “the erosion of the rule of law, widespread government corruption in matters concerning European funding, and the entirely unnecessary conflict with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office are leading to disastrous consequences for the country. For the first time in the history of our European journey, Greece is in danger of losing EU funds because of the government’s choices.”
And he concludes:
“The government must IMMEDIATELY cease its efforts to cover up scandals and the preferential treatment of ministers and members of parliament by the judiciary in order to avoid the loss of valuable European funds intended for citizens and the country’s development. The responsibility lies solely with the government. Greece cannot and must not pay the price for the government’s arbitrariness.”