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DRAFT OPINION (2024/2029(DEC))

On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the financial year 2023

LIBE-PA-765282

Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs · Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský

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The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs calls on the Committee on Budgetary Control to incorporate its opinion into the resolution on the EPPO's 2023 budget discharge. It notes the EPPO's increased caseload and budget, and makes recommendations on mandate, asset recovery, cooperation, and independence.

Committee position. The Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs proposes that the Committee on Budgetary Control incorporate these points into its motion for a resolution on the EPPO's 2023 discharge.

Key points

  1. Notes that the EPPO's caseload almost doubled in 2023, with 1 927 active investigations, 139 indictments, 339 VAT-related cases, and over 200 investigations on NextGenerationEU.
  2. Welcomes the 2023 budget increase to EUR 64,6 million and the 11% staff increase; underlines the need for additional funding due to projected strain from NextGenerationEU and membership growth.
  3. Calls for a holistic approach to fighting white-collar and conventional crime, and for the Commission to analyse in its evaluation whether the EPPO's mandate needs extension.
  4. Underlines asset recovery's role in deterring organised crime; asks the Commission to invite the EPPO to the new cooperation network on asset recovery and confiscation.
  5. Expresses satisfaction that 24 Member States participate in the EPPO, encourages the rest to join, and calls on the Commission to engage in dialogue with non-participating states.
  6. Welcomes the appointment of 8 European Prosecutors and 35 European Delegated Prosecutors; stresses that full judicial independence requires merit-based, objective appointments.
  7. Encourages enhanced cooperation between the EPPO and OLAF, supporting joint initiatives, information sharing, and coordinated actions.

Who is affected

  • The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) and its staff, who would receive more funding and support.
  • Member States, especially non-participating ones, are encouraged to join and ensure EPPO's independence.
  • The Commission, which is asked to analyse the EPPO's mandate and invite it to the asset recovery network.
  • OLAF, which is encouraged to cooperate more with the EPPO.

Figures and deadlines

  • 1 927 active investigations in 2023
  • 139 indictments, 339 VAT-related cases, over 200 investigations on NextGenerationEU
  • EUR 64,6 million total budget for 2023
  • 11% increase in staff in 2023
  • 24 Member States participate in the EPPO
  • 8 new European Prosecutors and 35 new European Delegated Prosecutors appointed in 2023