Case file on Case in OPECEPE’s illegal subsidies forwarded the European Public Prosecutor’s Office to the Greek Parliament, for T forinvolvement Two former Ministers of Rural Development and Food.The European Public Prosecutor’s Office in its announcement states: “alleged abuse of EU agricultural funds: The European Public Prosecutor’s Office submits information to the Greek Parliament
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to Athens today forwarded to the Greek Parliament information on the alleged involvement of two former Ministers of Rural Development and Food on criminal offenses. The Greek Constitution predicts that only the National Parliament has the power to investigate and prosecute in active or even former members of the Greek government.
It is reported that EPPO is ongoing research on a alleged organized fraud system for agricultural funds and corruption involving civil servants of the Hellenic Payment and Control of Community Aid and Guarantee Aid (OPECEPE). During this investigation, information has emerged about the possible involvement of two former ministers in assisting and incitement to embezzlement (abuse of trust) of the EU agricultural funds in the exercise of their official duties.
According to Article 86 of the Greek Constitution, if there are evidence of crimes committed by ministers during a study, even if they then leave their position, they should be forwarded to Parliament immediately. This makes it impossible to fully perform Eppo’s duties and requires the split of its ongoing investigation into the possible criminal liability of members of the Greek government.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office has to comply with applicable national legislation, which prohibits the European Public Prosecutor’s Office from investigating and prosecuting an active or former members of the Greek government. However, in our view, this limits Eppo’s jurisdiction, in violation of the EPPO Regulation. As this is a matter of compatibility between EU law and national law, Eppo has already reported this issue to the European Commission.
All interested persons are considered innocent until their guilt is proven by the competent Greek courts.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is the Independent Prosecutor’s Office of the European Union. He is responsible for the investigation, prosecution and trial of crimes against EU financial interests. “