Renew Europe welcomes 'truly historic' launch of the EPPO, a tool to tackle corruption and fraud across Europe
Author: Caroline Rhawi
Date:
On the eve of the launch of the long-awaited European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), Renew Europe salutes this historic moment, which will improve the protection of the EU's financial interests and combat white-collar crime. The office will have the competence to investigate and prosecute infringements of the EU budget, such as fraud, corruption and serious cross-border VAT fraud over 10 million euros. Renew Europe campaigned stubbornly to make this ground-breaking tool a reality, in order to tackle corruption and fraud relating to European funds.
Dacian Cioloş, President of Renew Europe, welcomes tomorrow's launch:
“The launch of the EPPO is a truly historic moment for the European Union, that we have long campaigned for. The EPPO will open a new front in the battle against fraud and corruption of EU funds. I trust that Laura Kövesi will fearlessly take on the organised criminals and corrupt politicians who seek to exploit EU taxpayer's money for their own ends. Tough questions should be directed to those politicians who continue to try to undermine the operation of the EPPO in their own member state. ”
MEP Ramona Strugariu, Member of the Committee of Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, adds:
“EPPO is the most important achievement of the Union in the fight against corruption and fraud. Every single member state and European institution must honour this commitment and ensure that EPPO is equipped to do so. I am confident that we will succeed and that, from June 1st on, the citizens of the Union and our justice systems will have this powerful tool at their disposal, protecting and serving their interest. Good luck to Laura Codruța Kövesi and her excellent team.”
Nominations for the Slovenian European Delegated Prosecutor's
At the same time, Renew Europe expresses its concerns about the two nominations for the Slovenian European Delegated Prosecutor's that was cancelled on unclear grounds last week by the Slovenian government. It is of the utmost importance that the prosecutors are appointed swiftly and without any political interference.
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Caroline Rhawi
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