THE EUROPEAN PUBLIC PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE - THE PROTECTION OF THE EU'S FINANCIAL INTERESTS AS SUPRANATIONAL INTEGRATION PROJECT -

This article presents an overview of the competences of the recently established European Public Prosecutor's Office ("EPPO"), a supranational body that investigates and prosecutes criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union ("EU"). Various aspects related to criminal procedure and substantive criminal law will be discussed with a view to explain how the EPPO is embedded in the national judicial systems despite its supranational origin. Among the matters to be examined will be the requirement to prosecute crime efficiently while ensuring that the procedural rights of the suspects and the accused persons will be duly respected. A particular focus will be on the cooperation with other EU entities and national authorities both in the Member States as well as in third countries. The elements contained in this article shall allow the reader to assess whether the EPPO has met the objectives set by the EU legislator.