European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi and OLAF Director Peter Klement called on the European Commission to prioritise VAT fraud during a joint FISC-CONT committee meeting on 25 June 2026, with Kovesi reporting nearly 1,000 cases and damages exceeding €45 billion. Kovesi criticised the Commission for not treating VAT fraud as a priority, urging a revision of the EPPO regulation, more resources, and better data sharing. She cited Operation Calypso (€800 million damages) and the Admiral case (€2.2 billion) as examples of large-scale fraud.
Klement highlighted customs-related VAT fraud, noting €750 million in recommended protective measures, and called for a definitive VAT system to replace the temporary intra-community regime. Eurofisc’s Mariana Marinelic detailed €15.1 billion in detected fraudulent transactions in 2025, but stressed the network’s administrative limits. MEPs Luděk Niedermayer (EPP) questioned the effectiveness of reverse charge mechanisms, while Julien Sanchez (PfE) called VAT fraud a systemic threat. All speakers agreed on the need for enhanced cooperation, legislative reform, and adequate enforcement resources. Next steps include potential revision of EPPO rules and improved data-sharing frameworks. Affected stakeholders include national tax authorities, customs agencies, e-commerce platforms, and organised crime groups.