‘Do we want to have an #EPPO just to say we have one, or do we want it to be efficient?’ Kövesi

Laura Codruţa Kövesi (pictured) is the first European chief prosecutor. Kövesi will organize the work of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and represent EPPO in contacts with EU institutions, EU member states and third countries.

The prosecutor will be responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the Union (e.g. fraud, corruption, cross-border VAT fraud above €10 million). Kövesi estimates that she will have to sift through over 3,000 cases once the office is set up.

Kövesi voiced her concern over proposed staffing levels, she asked MEPs “do we want to have an EPPO, or do we just want it to be an efficient institution.” She said she wanted the EPPO to be a centre of excellence for the seizure of criminal assets and to be a game-changer in the fight against cross-border VAT fraud.

It is estimated that the EU loses between €30 – 60 billion each year in this way, she argued that this made it very much worth investing in the newly created office.

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