Complaints concerning the possible misuse of European funds by Cypriot MEP Fidias Panayiotou are reported to have entered the assessment processes of European oversight mechanisms. According to available information, material has been transmitted to both the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, following complaints filed in Nicosia and Brussels.

However, it is important to note that no official public announcement has been made by either European institution confirming the opening of a formal investigation. At this stage, information points to the transmission and evaluation of complaints, rather than confirmed investigative action. Fidias Panayiotou himself has publicly stated that he has not received any official notification from European authorities.

The trail of complaints

Reports indicate that the Cypriot Independent Authority Against Corruption forwarded complaints concerning the MEP to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The complaints are described as anonymous and are also reported to be under consideration by OLAF through its relevant services.

The allegations relate, first, to the use of funds allocated for the rental of a political office, which were allegedly used to cover the rent of a maisonette in Limassol, and second, to a claim of possible irregularities connected to the cost of an application linked to the political movement founded by Mr Panayiotou, Immediate Democracy.

Central to the complaints is the rental of a luxury maisonette in Limassol, declared as a “political office,” with a reported monthly rent of approximately €5,000. According to the allegations, the property is allegedly used as a private residence shared with his fiancée, while also hosting social gatherings. Given that the matter concerns a Member of the European Parliament and relates to the use of European funds, the case was reportedly forwarded to the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, which holds competence in such matters.

Fidias Panayiotou: “I have no official information”

Speaking to the newspaper Phileleftheros, Fidias Panayiotou stated that he has no official information indicating that a complaint against him is under formal examination. He added that he intends to respond publicly in the coming days via a video statement on social media. According to the same report, he attributes the timing of the issue to political expediency ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for May.

What the European Parliament provides

Members of the European Parliament receive a General Expenditure Allowance intended to cover costs related to the operation and maintenance of offices, consumables, equipment, representation and administrative expenses. Within the existing framework, MEPs may, voluntarily, confirm that their use of the allowance complies with the applicable rules.

In practical terms, the allowance is purpose-bound. If a space is declared as a political office, it is expected to function as such.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office

The European Anti-Fraud Office is an independent body of the European Commission tasked with conducting administrative investigations into fraud, corruption, and serious misconduct affecting the EU budget. Its findings may lead to recommendations or referrals, but it does not carry out criminal prosecutions.

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office, by contrast, is the competent authority for investigating and prosecuting criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union, including fraud, corruption, money laundering, and misappropriation, as defined under EU law and its transposition into national legislation.

On the Cypriot side, the Independent Authority Against Corruption has repeatedly stated publicly that cases involving the potential mismanagement of European funds fall within the exclusive competence of the EPPO, which is why such material is forwarded for further assessment.