Start of European Chief Prosecutor's Mandate - Quote from Saskia Bricmont

Today, the European Public Prosecutor's Office begins its mandate. Laura Codruța Kövesi, the European Chief Prosecutor will have a remit to investigate fraud, corruption and other crimes against the EU budget. The Greens/EFA Group have long advocated for the role to start and supported Kovesi's nomination to the Prosecutor's job. Currently 22 EU Member States have opted to join the EPPO.

Saskia Bricmont MEP, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur on the EPPO in the LIBE committee, comments:

"The start of the Chief Prosecutor's mandate shows that the EU is finally going to take on oligarchs, organised criminals and fraudsters. For too long, EU funds have been open to abuse. The EPPO will help fight crimes against the EU's budget and ensure that money meant to help European citizens goes to where it's supposed to and not in the pockets of a few criminals.

"The remaining EU countries, such as Hungary and Poland who have yet to join, should show that they are serious about the fight against fraud, organised crime and corruption by joining the EPPO. Slovenia should start it's EU Presidency in good faith by nominating a prosecutor for the EPPO."