EPPO chief exits warning institution will be 'killed softly' for doing its job

Outgoing European Public Prosecutor's Office chief Laura Codruța Kövesi ended her seven-year tenure Friday warning that chronic underfunding and bureaucratic obstruction threaten the institution's survival.

"As I leave my office, I think of this famous Danish TV show, Borgen. There is a very famous saying there: 'In Brussels, no one can hear you scream,' and unfortunately, this is true," Kövesi said, in a nod to the Ridley Scott blockbuster Alien. "I am concerned that the EPPO is going to be killed softly because it's doing its job."

Kövesi cited three factors undermining EPPO's work: chronic underfunding, delays in revising the organisation's legal framework, and a bureaucratic architecture she said produces endless obstacles for prosecutors.

Asked what she would do differently if she could start over, Kövesi said she "would do the same things, but maybe the others should change their behavior."

On the Pfizergate investigation, an individual involved in the probe — granted anonymity to speak freely — said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not provided an in-person statement to prosecutors. EPPO took over the Belgian-led investigation in 2024. Legal documents seen by the outlet describe von der Leyen as being investigated for interference in public functions, destruction of SMS, corruption, and conflict of interest.

Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier said the Commission has cooperated extensively with EPPO and that von der Leyen has been and continues to be cooperative, within the limits of her duties and availability as Commission President. Kövesi declined to comment on specific investigations.

"Some politicians think that they are above the law," she said of officials who refused to answer summons. "If you are called in for a statement, you have to come."

She added that when high-profile politicians or wealthy individuals connected to the political class are involved in investigations, EPPO faces particular difficulty exercising its competence.

Kövesi said the biggest challenge her successor, German prosecutor Andrés Ritter, will face is keeping EPPO "independent and credible."

During her tenure, Kövesi said the most blatant attempt to intimidate EPPO prosecutors occurred in Greece, which was hit by a farm funding scandal last year that led to the resignation of ministers and deputy ministers.

EPPO, set up in 2017 and operational since 2021, is mandated to investigate crimes involving EU funds.