Kövesi Calls for Urgent Constitutional Reform
EU chief prosecutor Laura Kövesi has called on Greece to abolish ministerial immunity rules that block corruption probes linked to EU funds.
Speaking at a press conference in Athens, Kövesi urged reform of Article 86 of Greece’s constitution, which requires parliament to approve any case against government ministers.
“Article 86 on ministerial liability is contrary to European law and must be changed,” she said, warning that the clause had already undermined investigations.
EU Funds Under Scrutiny
Kövesi leads the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), launched in 2021 to tackle financial crimes involving EU money. Greece is currently under investigation for multiple cases, including misuse of EU farm subsidies and a railway safety project linked to the fatal 2023 Tempi disaster.
The Tempi crash, which killed 57 people, involved a €41 million EU-funded contract for remote signalling systems that was never implemented. Kövesi has said the tragedy might have been avoided had the project been delivered.
Agricultural subsidies have also been flagged, with investigators uncovering forged leases, false land claims and fictitious farms. But efforts to question senior officials have repeatedly been blocked by immunity rules.
“Change the constitution and this will not happen again,” Kövesi stressed.
Difficult Path to Reform
Amending Article 86 is no simple task. Any constitutional change requires approval by three-fifths of parliament – 180 out of 300 MPs – and ratification by the next parliament elected after national elections.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ ruling New Democracy holds 156 seats, meaning broad opposition support is needed. A government source confirmed discussions with rival parties but said reforms would only be possible after the 2027 elections.
Until then, ongoing EPPO probes remain stalled.
Rising Tensions With Athens
The prosecutor’s remarks highlight friction between national systems and the EU’s relatively new prosecutorial body.
Earlier this year, Kövesi sent a letter to the European Commission demanding enforcement of EU rules that enable EPPO’s work in Greece. Brussels has avoided a firm response.
EU officials told Euractiv that the Commission prefers to wait for the upcoming review of EPPO’s mandate, expected next year. At the current pace, delays could stretch into 2026.
Public Distrust of the Justice System
Kövesi’s Athens trip also coincides with mounting discontent over Greece’s judiciary.
A March survey found 74% of citizens distrust the justice system, while the Commission’s latest Rule of Law report cited persistent concerns over independence.
“The government operates in a cycle of corruption, cover-up and impunity,” opposition PASOK leader Nikos Androulakis said earlier this year.
Judicial Appointments Under Fire
Appointments of top judges remain another flashpoint. A 2024 law gave magistrates a consultative vote on senior judicial posts, but the government ignored the results last July when naming eight Supreme Court vice-presidents.
All candidates backed by judges were excluded – a move the Commission has so far declined to comment on.
Calls for Stronger EPPO Powers
During her meetings in Athens with ministers of justice, finance and interior, Kövesi urged more resources for the EPPO and direct authority to launch investigations in Greece.
Such powers would require changes to EU regulations, but negotiations are tied to broader budget talks and could drag on for months.
For now, Kövesi’s appeal puts fresh pressure on Athens – and on Brussels – to ensure accountability for EU funds.
