“Particular concern” has been raised within the European Public Prosecutor’s Office over the new amendment introduced by Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis aimed at accelerating the trial of criminal cases involving members of parliament, which was approved by the Greek Parliament last night.
Among other provisions, the amendment states that investigations into criminal cases involving MPs must be conducted within a specified (and short) timeframe by a special appellate investigating judge, and therefore not by delegated European prosecutors.
In a letter to the Justice Minister, Laura Kövesi commented that the amendment was introduced in great haste, that the very tight deadlines imposed on investigations could seriously hinder serious and complex inquiries, and that the measure limits the powers of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The Justice Minister confirmed that the EPPO’s investigative powers remain unchanged and submitted a related modification.
“The potential implications of these changes are broad, and their rushed adoption — which leaves no real possibility for proper scrutiny or discussion — appears to run contrary to the principle of sincere cooperation regarding the protection of the EU’s financial interests in Greece,” she stated.
According to sources cited by Kathimerini, the amendment is clearly incompatible with the regulation governing the operation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, as it does not exempt cases falling under its jurisdiction. At the same time, the provision is also considered incompatible with the Greek legislation that incorporated the operation of the EPPO into national law.
The government has stated that the amendment aims to speed up proceedings involving political figures and that it does not alter the role of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. In fact, the Justice Minister reaffirmed that the EPPO’s investigative powers remain unaffected, submitting a corresponding amendment to the bill.
Sources: Κathimerini, Εfimerida ton Sintakton
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