MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew, Bulgaria) has raised concerns over the 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 and seeks clarification on the legal and procedural grounds for halting the process.
Kyuchyuk's question comes amid broader scrutiny of EPPO's operations in member states, where delays and political interference have been flagged by legal experts. The MEP asks whether the Commission considers the termination compatible with the principle of loyal cooperation under Article 4(3) TEU and EPPO's independence requirements under Regulation 2017/1939. He also requests details on any communication between the Commission and Bulgarian authorities regarding the procedure.
The question contains concrete demands: the Commission must explain the reasons for the termination, assess its impact on ongoing investigations, and outline steps to ensure a swift and transparent new selection. Kyuchyuk does not set a specific deadline but implies urgency given EPPO's operational needs.
Policy orientation: The MEP advocates for stronger EU-level oversight of national selection processes to prevent political interference, aligning with pro-integration and anti-corruption stances. This reflects a cleavage between EU institutional autonomy and national sovereignty, with potential moderate impact on Bulgarian judicial authorities and EPPO's operational capacity.
Expected follow-up: The Commission must reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it views the termination as a national prerogative or a breach of EU law, shaping future EPPO selection procedures across member states.