“How many tragedies do we still have to live to finally understand that financial crimes are not trifles?” The European Prosecutor wonders, speaking to ARD.
Speaking about the deadly effects of corruption, he cites as an example their rail accident with the 57 dead.
“Our research has shown that Greece received millions from the EU for its rail network. The marking system was to be renewed. If the project had been implemented in time and correctly, the tragedy could have been avoided. ” This conclusion is reached in the case of the Tempi case, European prosecutor Laura Konticha Covessi, speaking to the German ARD network. Covessi plays at the same time and a key role in the big scandal of its agricultural subsidies.
Kovessi as head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating corruption cases: from frauds on Community subsidies to cross -border crimes. “The biggest cases of fraud in the EU are in its office,” the report said. “There is no clean country. Corruption, subsidy scams, tax and customs fraud, “Covessi said.
2.666 Corruption Cases in 2024
Only in 2024, according to the report, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office under Covessi launched investigations in over 2,666 cases. Estimated loss in European funds is € 24.8 billion.
She reveals, however, that she has become unpleasant to several politicians. Some even say to her, as she reveals: “Mrs. Covessi, you should not talk so much about these cases and you should not publish information.” It is still surprising for her that in Europe, “there is a tendency not to deal with problems when they arise”.
Covessi became the youngest and first female prosecutor in Romania in 2006 at the age of 33, in one of the most corrupt countries in Europe.
“I saw how corruption affected our daily lives. I probably wanted to do something important for society so I thought I could make a difference through my work, “the European prosecutor said. In 2019 she became the first female European prosecutor.
As for Germany, it says that it is not an exception. Tax frauds are mainly common, with the result that tax authorities lose almost 10 billion annually.
‘The struggle for justice is worth it’
Kovesi, as shown by Ard’s report, is fully aware of the responsibility associated with its position and reality.
As he says, corruption will never disappear. “But the struggle deserves because the sense of justice is essential for citizens, for democracy. This can only be achieved with a independent and strong judicial power. “
