Allegations of pressure on EPPO rejected and full support for its work reaffirmed

Further to the interview given by European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi to European media network Euroactiv, we strongly reject any malicious allegations of attacks against European Delegated Prosecutors or the existence of a disinformation campaign in Croatia

Regarding the establishment and operation of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, we recall that Croatia was among the first 17 EU Member States to adopt the enhanced cooperation mechanism. In the past 6 years, in legislative, infrastructural and financial terms, we have continuously ensured all the conditions for the efficient work of European Delegated Prosecutors in Croatia.
 
‘From legislation to infrastructure and financial support, the Croatian government has done everything to ensure the efficient work of European Delegated Prosecutors in Croatia’, said Minister Damir Habijan.
 
In 2024, we amended the Act on the Implementation of the EPPO Regulation to further improve some aspects of EPPO’s work in Croatia, in particular as regards social contributions and accelerated seniority for Delegated Prosecutors.
 
At the beginning of EPPO’s operation in Croatia, we had 2 Delegated Prosecutors, and the number was gradually increased to 6. Currently, in addition to the 6 Delegated Prosecutors, the EPPO office in Zagreb has 12 additional staff members. According to the number of European Delegated Prosecutors, Croatia is among the countries with a higher number of prosecutors and staff in proportion to the country’s size.
 
We would also like to recall that in October 2022, the Ministry of the Interior and EPPO signed an Agreement on Cooperation and Access to Data related to the Detection and Prosecution of Criminal Offences, with the aim of making operational cooperation as efficient as possible by designating police officers at all levels involved in EPPO cases. 
 
In addition to ensuring the conditions for EPPO’s effective functioning, we underline in particular that institutions in Croatia do not interfere, exert pressure or engage in alleged attacks or disinformation campaigns against European Delegated Prosecutors. The Ministry of Justice, Public Administration and Digital Transformation has no knowledge of such incidents, and considers any unsubstantiated allegations of their existence as irresponsible conduct that does not contribute to mutual trust and hitherto good cooperation between Croatia and EPPO.
 
Every criminal offence, regardless of whether it is committed to the detriment of the financial interests of the EU or the state budget of the Republic of Croatia, should be investigated and prosecuted, and the competent authorities must be independent and autonomous in their work.
 
We support EPPO's work and believe that the financial interests of the European Union should be protected without exception and pressure, and in accordance with the Regulation and the principle of mutual cooperation.

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