Today in Brussels, PASOK MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets Nikolas Farantouris called for European Commission intervention following Laura Kövesi’s allegations yesterday of threats and obstruction of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) by the Greek government.
In an interview with Politico yesterday, European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi made serious allegations, stating in particular that “the most blatant attempt to intimidate the European Public Prosecutor’s Office took place in Greece”.
The PASOK MEP said “these statements raise serious concerns about respect for the principles of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary and the effective protection of the EU budget, whose limited resources must be put to good use, especially at a time when some are calling for cuts in critical areas such as the primary sector and cohesion”.
Nikolas Farantouris stressed that “ensuring the safe, full and unhindered operation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is a legal and institutional obligation of every participating member state” and called on the European Commission:
- To take an official position on the European Chief Prosecutor’s allegations of attempts to intimidate and obstruct the work of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- To take concrete action to ensure full, unhindered and safe cooperation between member states and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
- To take specific measures to safeguard the independence of European investigative authorities and guarantee that allegations of fraud involving EU funds are investigated without political or other interference.
Speaking in Brussels today, the PASOK MEP and member of the European Socialists said:
“We are fighting in the European Parliament for more resources at a time when governments in the Council are making cuts. It is in the interests of Greece, every member state and every citizen that money is put to good use and not squandered on illegal activities and opaque practices. Threats and intimidation directed at investigative and audit authorities cannot be tolerated”.