MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, Bulgaria) has raised concerns over the abrupt termination of the selection procedure for the Bulgarian European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) delegate, questioning whether the move undermines the independence and effectiveness of the EU's anti-fraud body. The written parliamentary question, submitted on 24 April 2026, targets the European Commission, which oversees the EPPO's operations.
Kyuchyuk's question focuses on the procedural and legal grounds for halting the selection process, which had been underway to appoint a Bulgarian delegate to the EPPO. He asks whether the termination respects the EPPO's founding regulation, which guarantees the independence of its prosecutors from national interference. The MEP also seeks clarification on the timeline for restarting the procedure and what safeguards exist to ensure a transparent and merit-based appointment.
The question does not specify numerical targets or deadlines but demands a detailed explanation of the Commission's role and any communication with Bulgarian authorities. It implies that delays or irregularities in appointing national delegates could hamper the EPPO's ability to investigate and prosecute EU fraud cases, affecting EU taxpayers and the credibility of the institution.
Kyuchyuk's initiative aligns with broader concerns among some MEPs about political interference in EPPO appointments across member states. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it views the Bulgarian case as an isolated incident or a systemic issue requiring legislative or procedural adjustments.
Stakeholders impacted include the EPPO itself, which relies on fully staffed national delegations to operate effectively; Bulgarian authorities, whose handling of the selection may face scrutiny; and EU taxpayers, who benefit from robust anti-fraud enforcement. The Commission's response will also be watched by other member states with pending or contested EPPO appointments.
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