In a written answer to a parliamentary question from Renew MEP Nikola Minchev, Commissioner Michael McGrath declined to comment on the risks to the Chiren gas investigation or the alleged coordinated attacks against European prosecutor Teodora Georgieva, stating that the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is an independent body and that the Commission does not comment on ongoing investigations or internal EPPO matters. The answer, published on 23 April 2026, instead pointed to the ongoing evaluation of the EPPO Regulation as the appropriate forum to consider potential adjustments to the rules governing the appointment of European prosecutors.
The question, submitted on 19 March 2026, raised concerns that corruption allegations against Georgieva emerged shortly after she advanced the EU-funded Chiren gas probe and informed media of obstruction by public officials. Minchev suggested a pattern of using 'dormant files' to pressure prosecutors and questioned whether the timing was calculated to derail the investigation. He also flagged structural flaws in Bulgaria's selection procedure for the next European prosecutor.
Commission stays silent on case specifics
McGrath's response reaffirmed the Commission's longstanding position of non-interference in EPPO operations. He noted that it is for the EPPO to ensure continuity of investigations and appropriate internal allocation of resources, including for the Chiren case. This leaves the question of potential dismissal or transfer of the prosecutor entirely in the hands of the EPPO's internal governance.
Evaluation of EPPO Regulation as window for reform
The Commissioner highlighted that the Commission is currently carrying out an evaluation of Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, which established the EPPO. This evaluation, he said, provides an opportunity to reflect on the functioning of the current framework, including the rules governing appointments of European prosecutors, and whether any adjustments are necessary to further strengthen selection procedures. The answer did not commit to specific reforms or a timeline for legislative proposals, but signalled that the Commission is open to considering changes based on the evaluation's findings.
Policy orientation and institutional follow-up
the Commission will not intervene in individual cases but may propose amendments to the EPPO Regulation once the evaluation is complete. No concrete proposals, numerical targets, or deadlines were given. The expected institutional follow-up is the publication of the evaluation report, likely in the coming months, which could form the basis for a future legislative proposal to revise the appointment rules. Stakeholders impacted include EPPO prosecutors (whose independence is reaffirmed), EU member states (which conduct national selections), and beneficiaries of EU anti-fraud investigations (such as the Chiren gas project).