EU Prosecutor Warns of Funding and Political Risks
Chief prosecutor Laura Kövesi reports that staffing gaps and political pressure are challenging the office's operations.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Corruption
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European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi says that institutional funding shortages and political pressure are threatening the work of the European Public Prosecutor's Office. These challenges complicate investigations into fraud and corruption affecting European Union financial interests.
Why it matters
Bureaucratic delays and active efforts to restrict prosecutorial powers create significant risks for the agency's independence. Political pressure particularly intensifies when these investigations target powerful figures or their inner circles.
The EPPO has secured funding for 180 of its 230 planned European Delegated Prosecutor positions across member states. Additionally, the office has requested the lifting of immunity for 11 Greek lawmakers to advance an agricultural subsidy investigation.
The players
Laura Kövesi
She serves as the European Chief Prosecutor leading the European Public Prosecutor's Office.
European Public Prosecutor's Office
This is an independent EU agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against the financial interests of the union.
The details
The institution currently monitors agricultural subsidies to verify if European funding reaches eligible farmers, as seen in the OPEKEPE subsidy scandal in Greece. Investigators must often request the lifting of parliamentary immunity for politicians to gather evidence in these complex cases.
Timeline
October 28, 2026: The report regarding office challenges was published.
Legal Context
The current funding and staffing limitations mark a direct challenge to the agency's ability to execute its established European Public Prosecutor's Office investigative mandate. These institutional hurdles mirror broader trends where centralized oversight bodies face resistance from member states.
These funding issues may lead to delays in resolving fraud cases involving public money and agricultural subsidies. Residents in member states may see prolonged investigations as the office struggles to maintain its full complement of delegated prosecutors.
The takeaway
The struggle for resources highlights the tension between national sovereignty and the enforcement of transnational financial regulations. Transparency in agricultural spending remains a critical area where citizens can advocate for greater oversight.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Corruption investigations across the European Union.
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