European Prosecutors Need Stronger Shields Against Political Interference

Former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has called for stronger institutional safeguards to protect the independence of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). Writing in a guest article for Euronews, Papandreou reinforced warnings issued by outgoing chief prosecutor Laura Kövesi regarding political pressure directed at investigations in Greece.

Sceptics of deeper integration rightly emphasise that criminal justice is deeply rooted in national legal traditions, arguing that European oversight must respect domestic judicial frameworks. That concern is reasonable, but common financial resources demand a common standard of protection.

When inquiries into the allocation of European funds face political friction at home, citizens across all 27 member states lose faith in the system. The EPPO was created precisely to ensure that shared taxpayers' money is safeguarded by independent enforcement, free from domestic political considerations.

Allowing national political pressure to hamper European prosecutors undermines confidence in the rule of law across the entire Union. Securing robust legal protections for EPPO investigators is not an overreach; it is the baseline requirement to ensure shared European institutions remain credible, accountable, and fair.