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EPPO Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kovesi ends seven-year term
Laura Codruța Kovesi is concluding her seven-year term as the first Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). She will be succeeded by her deputy, German prosecutor Andrés Ritter, effective November 1.
During her tenure, which began in late 2019, the EPPO has expanded its operational capacity significantly. Active investigations grew from 515 in 2021 to 3,602 by the end of 2025. The institution is responsible for investigating crimes affecting the financial interests of the EU, including VAT fraud, corruption, and money laundering. According to the EPPO’s 2025 annual report, estimated damages in ongoing investigations reached 67.27 billion euros.
In a farewell interview with Politico, Kovesi warned that the EPPO’s future independence and efficiency are threatened by underfunding, bureaucratic obstacles, and political pressure. She specifically noted a shortage of personnel, stating that while the office requires 230 delegated prosecutors, current funding only covers 180 positions.
Entities
Andrés Ritter · European Commission · European Public Prosecutor's Office · Laura Codruța Kövesi · Luxembourg
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 14 SOURCES] Kovesi warned that the EPPO is threatened by underfunding, bureaucracy, and political pressure. www.ziarulnational.md · www.espress.ro · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · informateca.ro · +7 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] The EPPO had 3,602 active investigations at the end of 2025. trumedia.ro · www.ziarulnational.md · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · informateca.ro · +4 more
- [● 8 SOURCES] The European Commission evaluated the EPPO's performance positively in a September report. trumedia.ro · www.ziarulnational.md · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · informateca.ro · +2 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] Estimated damages in ongoing investigations reached 67.27 billion euros. trumedia.ro · www.ziarulnational.md · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · informateca.ro · +5 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The EPPO requires 230 delegated prosecutors but current funding only covers 180 positions. telegraph.md · www.dailybusiness.ro · gazetadecluj.ro · www.espress.ro
- [● 8 SOURCES] The conviction rate for cases resolved by verdict was nearly 95%. trumedia.ro · www.ziarulnational.md · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · informateca.ro · +2 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Andrés Ritter will succeed Kovesi as Chief Prosecutor on November 1. trumedia.ro · www.ziarulnational.md · www.espress.ro · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · +12 more
- [● 19 SOURCES] Laura Codruța Kovesi is ending her seven-year term as Chief Prosecutor of the EPPO. trumedia.ro · www.ziarulnational.md · www.espress.ro · telegraph.md · www.cotidianul.ro · +12 more