OPINION (2025/2155(DEC))
On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the- European Public Prosecutors Office for the financial year 2024
LIBE-AD-778328
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs · Rapporteur: Evin Incir
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The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs opinion on the 2024 budget discharge for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) notes increased caseload and calls for more resources, cooperation, and expanded mandate.¶¶¶
Key points
- Notes EPPO's 2,666 active investigations in 2024, with almost 30% cross-border, and increased indictment rates (47%) and asset freezes.¶
- Notes 6,547 crime reports processed in 2024, a 56% increase from 2023, driven by rises in private party (85%) and national authority (12%) reports.¶
- Points to increasing cross-border VAT fraud cases, over half of estimated damage, and a 25% increase in NextGenerationEU-related investigations.¶
- Emphasizes that investigations are hampered by divergent national legislation and uneven enforcement by member states.¶
- Stresses EPPO is structurally underfunded and understaffed; calls on the Commission to provide an updated needs assessment for the next multiannual financial framework, considering Sweden and Poland joining.¶
- Calls for closer cooperation with Europol, Eurojust, OLAF, AMLA, and the future European Customs Authority to avoid duplication and improve efficiency, in compliance with data protection rules.¶
- Recalls Commission's commitment to review EPPO's mandate; expects extension of competence to serious crimes like EU sanctions violations, but only after impact assessment and adequate resources.¶
- Acknowledges need for autonomous digital systems; concerned about delays in Case Management System; welcomes cyber-security strategy and calls for implementation, interoperability, and data security.¶
- Urges non-participating member states to join EPPO without delay; calls for participation to be required of future member states in the accession process.¶
- Stresses need for structured dialogue with participating member states and Commission support for implementing Rule of Law Report recommendations.¶
Who is affected
- EPPO: faces increased workload and needs more staff and resources; must enhance cooperation and digital systems.¶¶¶
- Member states not yet in EPPO: urged to join; future member states required to participate.¶
- EU agencies (Europol, Eurojust, OLAF, AMLA, future Customs Authority): expected to cooperate with EPPO.¶
- Commission: to provide updated EPPO needs assessment and support member states in implementing Rule of Law recommendations.¶¶