Court of Justice of the EU hears jurisdiction dispute involving Croatia

The Court of Justice of the European Union held a hearing in Luxembourg regarding a request from the Croatian Constitutional Court. The case concerns whether Croatian law, which allows the State Attorney General to resolve jurisdictional conflicts between the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and national prosecutors, complies with EU law.

The dispute originated from a case involving former Health Minister Vili Beroš regarding the procurement of overpriced medical devices. Croatian State Attorney General Ivan Turudić ruled that the national anti-corruption office, USKOK, held jurisdiction rather than the EPPO. Following this decision, EPPO Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi filed objections and a complaint with the European Commission.

Thirty representatives from the SDP and Možemo! political parties challenged the constitutionality of the law, arguing that such jurisdictional decisions should be made by a court rather than the State Attorney General. The European Commission has taken the position that the State Attorney General cannot independently and legally resolve conflicts between national and European prosecution offices. The upcoming ruling is expected to set a precedent for Croatia and other EU member states.