EU Public Prosecutor’s Office Slams Bulgarian Authorities for Failing to Combat Fraud

Inadequate Measures to Combat Fraud Affecting European Union’s Financial Interests

SOFIA - The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has released a scathing report accusing Bulgarian authorities of failing to take adequate measures to combat fraud affecting the financial interests of the European Union.

Lack of Clear Institutional Framework and Coordination

The EPPO found that Bulgaria lacks a clear institutional framework for cooperation between national bodies concerned with managing and controlling EU funds. The report also criticized the lack of coordination between the competent institutions, including independent judicial authorities, in fighting against irregularities and corruption involving EU funds.

Lack of clear institutional framework for cooperation
Insufficient coordination between national bodies and independent judicial authorities

Inadequate Transparency and Accountability

The EPPO expressed concerns about the insufficient transparency and accountability in the management and control of EU funds in Bulgaria. The report called on Bulgarian authorities to take immediate action to address these shortcomings.

Lack of transparency in management and control of EU funds
Insufficient accountability for those responsible for irregularities and corruption

Consequences for Bulgaria

Failure to comply with the EPPO’s recommendations could result in severe consequences for Bulgaria, including sanctions and fines. The EU has also threatened to withhold funding from Bulgaria if it fails to address these shortcomings.

Potential sanctions and fines
Risk of withholding EU funding

Response from Bulgarian Authorities

In response to the report, Bulgarian authorities have pledged to take immediate action to address the issues raised by the EPPO. However, many experts believe that more needs to be done to ensure transparency and accountability in the management and control of EU funds in Bulgaria.

Consequences for Perpetrators of Fraud

The EPPO has warned that those responsible for perpetrating fraud against the EU’s financial interests will be held accountable. The agency has pledged to work closely with national authorities to investigate and prosecute criminal offenses affecting the EU’s financial interests.

Those responsible for fraud will be held accountable
Investigation and prosecution of criminal offenses affecting EU’s financial interests

Next Steps

As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: those responsible for perpetrating fraud against the EU’s financial interests will be held accountable, and Bulgaria must take immediate action to address these shortcomings to avoid severe consequences.

Further investigation and prosecution of fraudulent activities
Urgent action required from Bulgarian authorities to ensure transparency and accountability