European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi emphasized that corruption is a Europe-wide issue, not exclusive to Greece, while praising the excellent cooperation of Greek authorities with her office. Speaking from the Piraeus Customs Office, she gave a powerful press conference addressing major ongoing investigations, including Tempi, OPEKEPE, and Operation Calypso.

“If you believe corruption only exists in Greece, you’re wrong. It’s everywhere,” Kövesi stated, adding that the key issue is whether countries choose to sweep problems under the rug or confront them.

She pointed to widespread fraud in agricultural subsidies via OPEKEPE (the Greek Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid), comparing it to systemic issues seen in other EU countries.

Regarding the Port of Piraeus, she highlighted its vulnerability to organized crime, noting that “drugs don’t fall from the sky – they come through ports.” She linked this to broader European challenges, including the operation code-named “Calypso”, where criminal organizations are under investigation.

“Economic crime and corruption can kill. Tempi is an example of that,” she said, referring to the deadly rail disaster. “This tragedy could have been prevented… The only way to close the wound is through justice.”

A Call to Change Greece’s Constitution – Article 86 in Focus

Kövesi made a strong case for constitutional reform in Greece, specifically targeting Article 86, which governs ministerial immunity.

“I’m not happy with the law on ministerial responsibility,” Kövesi said bluntly. “Due to Article 86, justice has not been served in cases like Tempi.”

She noted that during a recent meeting with the Greek Justice Minister, there was a declared intention to proceed with reform, adding:

“Change the Constitution – that’s the only way to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

She emphasized that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) works under Greek law when operating in Greece, dismissing any notion of foreign interference:

“We apply Greek criminal law and procedure. The EPPO isn’t an outside institution – there are many excellent Greek prosecutors on our team.”

Praise for Greek Authorities — But Also a Warning

Kövesi praised the Greek law enforcement and customs authorities for their collaboration, despite isolated cases of corruption within customs:

“I’m proud of our team in Greece. We have excellent cooperation with police and customs,” she said, adding, “Just because some customs officials are corrupt doesn’t mean they all are.”

She also stressed that “the rules of the game have changed – there are no more safe havens for crime.”

In her remarks, she addressed the need to reinforce the EPPO’s office in Athens and underlined that threats or attempts to intimidate her office will not succeed:

“The EPPO is here to stay, despite intimidation attempts. I warn anyone with such intentions to reconsider.”

On OPEKEPE: “Time to Clean Out the Augean Stables”

On the OPEKEPE scandal, Kövesi said that for years EU funds were embezzled to finance villas and luxury cars, labeling the agency as “a symbol of entanglement, corruption, and nepotism.”

“It’s time to clean out the Augean stables,” she declared.
“Justice is not a TV reality show – stop parading witnesses on television.”

She also revealed that an investigation is underway into public “recycling kiosks”, without elaborating further.

Clarifying Her Relationship with Greek Officials

When asked by Proto Thema whether she had met the Greek Prime Minister, Kövesi replied:

“I have never met the Prime Minister. Yesterday I met the Finance Minister and was impressed – he immediately understood what needed to be done.”

She also clarified that her collaboration with the Ministries of Justice and Public Order has been excellent.

On Threats: “I’ve Received Many, But I Don’t Speak Publicly About Them”

In response to a question about threats she may have received in connection to her Greek investigations, Kövesi confirmed:

“Over the years, I’ve received many threats – but I don’t talk about them publicly.”

Final Message: Independence is Non-Negotiable

Throughout her remarks, Kövesi underscored the absolute independence of the EPPO:

“Our prosecutors are highly capable and no European institution can tell them how to handle their cases. Independence is our red line.”