The European Chief Prosecutor, Laura Kövesi, has forcefully defended ongoing investigations into former EU High Representative Federica Mogherini, staunchly asserting the principle of equal application of the law within the European Union. In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Kövesi expressed concern over the intense scrutiny surrounding the case, emphasizing that holding a prominent position within Brussels “doesn’t make one more virtuous or untouchable.
Kövesi underscored the core purpose of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), established to guarantee impartiality in legal proceedings. “We need to ensure people understand that the law applies to everyone, regardless of their past roles or affiliations” she stated, directly referencing the sensitive nature of the inquiry involving Mogherini. The former High Representative was briefly detained in Belgium in December as part of an EPPO investigation into alleged corruption and fraud related to training programs for young diplomats, charges she denies.
Beyond the Mogherini case, Kövesi voiced her deep concern regarding a growing erosion of public trust in EU institutions. She cautioned against the temptation to shield implicated individuals, asserting that such actions would ultimately undermine the perceived integrity of the Union. “You cannot deceive citizens by sweeping problems under the rug. True trust is earned by confronting issues head-on and demonstrating a commitment to accountability.
Kövesi, who earned a reputation as a relentless anti-corruption champion in her native Romania before being appointed to lead the EPPO in 2019, stressed the importance of projecting strength and resolve. She pushed for an expansion of the EPPO’s mandate, particularly concerning the circumvention of EU sanctions, highlighting the necessity of robust cross-border enforcement.
The Chief Prosecutor also delivered a stark warning about the scale of financial crime plaguing Europe, describing it as an “industrial-scale” operation historically underestimated. Kövesi pointed to Europol estimates indicating losses exceeding 50 billion euros annually due to VAT fraud alone. Warning of the broader implications beyond financial losses, she linked such crimes to organized crime, citing an “invasion” of criminal organizations from third countries, including China and the increasing involvement of traditional mafia groups in these illicit activities. She argued the problem extends beyond economics, posing a threat to “internal security” within the European Union.
