Ex‑Greek Prime Minister Urges Safeguarding of EU Prosecutors

By George Papandreou, Former Prime Minister of Greece

Published on 2 November 2026 – 16:00 GMT+1

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the editorial stance of Euronews.

Laura Kövesi’s warning, as she concludes her term, must be heeded across Europe. An independent European Public Prosecutor’s Office should be strengthened, not undermined, by its investigations into powerful interests.

Principle of Equality Before the Law

The rule of law dictates that no one is above it—neither prime ministers, ministers, affluent individuals, nor politically connected interests. Its core purpose is to safeguard the least powerful: ordinary citizens, honest farmers, workers, and the most vulnerable. Misuse of public funds and obstruction of accountability ultimately harm these groups.

Laura Kövesi carried out her duties, and her colleagues discharged their mission despite political attacks, intimidation, and attempts to compromise their independence. Her claims of pressure applied in Greece require thorough examination.

The Greek government’s attempts to block accountability and disparage investigators of European fund misuse are deplorable. Efforts to divert attention from the investigation’s substance constitute a cover‑up. Responses to evidence should be transparency and cooperation with judicial authorities. Every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence; no government may impede the discovery of truth.

Law Knows No Borders: Upholding EU-wide Rule of Law

The rule of law extends beyond national borders, particularly within the European Union—a union founded on shared values and common obligations. National sovereignty must not become a shield for impunity. Safeguarding European funds equates to protecting citizens and the trust that underpins the Union.

I believe Greece could have avoided the EU support mechanism and memoranda had Europe possessed a robust European Public Prosecutor’s Office and an independent figure like Laura Kövesi prior to the financial crisis. With sufficient authority, they would have revealed the previous Greek government’s mismanagement and cover‑up before I assumed office in 2009.

This would have spurred the European Commission into action, enforced accountability, and preserved confidence in the Greek economy before crisis struck. The Greek people would not have endured such a heavy burden had the concealed practices and truths been revealed.

Safeguarding the Independence of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office

I hope the new leadership of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office will uphold its independence with equal resolve. It must resist pressure from powerful lobbies, political forces, or patronage networks, irrespective of their origin or affiliation. Its duty is to follow the evidence and apply the law impartially.

European institutions and national governments must provide the European Public Prosecutor’s Office with adequate resources, powers, and practical support. Formal independence alone is insufficient if the institution is weakened by underfunding, delays, or obstruction.

The powerful must be held accountable under the law, and the most vulnerable must be able to rely on it. Europe must honor this commitment.

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