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European Public Prosecutor Office leadership transition

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2026-10-30 10:58 UTC → 2026-10-31 06:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Outgoing European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) Chief Laura Codruța Kövesi is concluding her seven year tenure, with German prosecutor Andrés Ritter appointed to succeed her effective November 1. Before her departure, Kövesi issued warnings that the institution risks being “silently destroyed” due to chronic underfunding, bureaucratic inertia, and political interference. She noted that current funding only covers 180 of the 230 intended delegated prosecutor positions and highlighted staffing shortages in member states like Poland. Kövesi also identified Greece as a site of the “most blatant attempt to intimidate” the EPPO regarding investigations into agricultural subsidy fraud. During Kövesi’s leadership, the EPPO’s active investigations grew from 515 in 2021 to 3,602 by the end of 2025, targeting suspected frauds totaling approximately 67.27 billion euros. In 2025 alone, prosecutors opened 2,030 new investigations, representing a 35% increase from the previous year, while maintaining a conviction rate of nearly 95% in cases resolved by verdict. Her final remarks also addressed the Pfizergate investigation involving European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, noting that von der Leyen has not yet appeared before magistrates to provide a statement. Despite Kövesi’s concerns regarding political pressure and resource shortages, a September report from the European Commission evaluated the EPPO’s performance positively, citing its effectiveness in combating crimes against the EU budget.

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