La Fiscalía Europea : análisis y perspectivas

Abstract

This paper examines the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), established by Council Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 through enhanced cooperation. The EPPO represents a significant milestone in the development of European criminal justice, as it is the first supranational prosecution authority entrusted with investigating and prosecuting criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the European Union. The contribution begins by outlining the legal framework and institutional features of the EPPO, focusing on its competence in combating offences such as fraud, corruption, and other crimes detrimental to the Union’s financial interests. These offences frequently involve the use of false or misleading documentation and are often linked to public procurement and the misappropriation of EU funds, highlighting the importance of an effective and coordinated prosecutorial response. The paper then analyses the legal nature of the EPPO and assesses its practical functioning through the perspectives and experiences of legal practitioners, with the aim of evaluating the progress achieved by this innovative supranational body. Particular attention is devoted to one of the most significant and challenging aspects of the EPPO’s activities: cross-border investigations conducted under Article 31 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939. Finally, the study considers the interaction between the European and national dimensions of the EPPO’s work, before concluding with some final reflections on the opportunities and challenges arising from its implementation.