On discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the- European Public Prosecutors Office for the financial year 2024
LIBE-PA-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 calls on the Committee on Budgetary Control to incorporate its opinion into the motion for a resolution on the discharge of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) for 2024.¶ It notes EPPO's increased caseload, cross-border VAT fraud, and NextGenerationEU investigations, while stressing underfunding and the need for more resources and an updated needs assessment.¶¶¶ It calls for better cooperation with other agencies, extension of EPPO's mandate, and development of digital systems and cybersecurity.¶¶¶
Committee position. The committee proposes that the Committee on Budgetary Control incorporate these points into its motion for a resolution, focusing on EPPO's needs and cooperation.¶
Key points
- Notes EPPO's 2 666 active investigations in 2024, with almost 30% cross-border, and increased indictment rates (47%) and asset freezes.¶
- Points to rising 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; calls on the Commission to provide an updated needs assessment for the next multiannual financial framework, considering extension to Sweden and Poland.¶
- Calls for legislative review to maximize efficiency and avoid duplication, and for EPPO to cooperate with agencies like AMLA and the future European Customs Authority.¶
- Recalls commitment to accelerate review of EPPO's mandate, including potential extension to serious crimes like violation of EU sanctions.¶
- Acknowledges need for autonomous digital systems, expresses concern about delays in Case Management System, and welcomes cybersecurity strategy, calling for implementation.¶
Who is affected
- EPPO: faces increased caseload and underfunding; needs more resources and digital systems.¶¶¶
- Member states: urged to enforce EU budget protection consistently.¶
- Commission: asked to assess EPPO needs and consider mandate extension.¶¶
- Other EU agencies (Europol, Eurojust, OLAF, AMLA): called to cooperate with EPPO.¶