Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath, in a written answer on 19 June 2026, expressed the European Commission's full support for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) following a series of extraordinary attacks by Greek government officials. McGrath stressed that the Commission values and respects the EPPO's independence from all EU institutions and member states, and stands ready to engage with national authorities to reiterate its firm support for the office and its activities.
The answer comes in response to a parliamentary question submitted on 20 April 2026 by Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left, Greece), who detailed disparaging remarks by Greek Health Minister and Vice President of New Democracy, including statements that the EPPO is "not a serious institution" and "too immature to exist in European states." The minister also accused the EPPO of sending "ridiculous case files" and engaging in "blackmail." The attacks were prompted by the OPEKEPE case, in which the EPPO is investigating alleged fraud involving EU funds.
McGrath's answer contains no concrete proposals, numerical targets, or deadlines. It is a declarative reaffirmation of principles: the EPPO must be able to investigate all crimes affecting the EU budget impartially, and public authorities should engage in respectful exchanges to avoid undermining the EPPO's legitimacy. The Commission's policy orientation is one of staunch institutional defense, signaling that it will use diplomatic engagement with member state authorities rather than legislative or punitive measures.
No immediate institutional follow-up is announced. The answer suggests that the Commission will continue to monitor the situation and may intervene bilaterally with Greek authorities to uphold the EPPO's independence. The absence of specific sanctions or legal action indicates a preference for political dialogue over confrontation.