In a discussion with MEPs of the Budgetary Control Committee on 1 October 2021, European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi stressed the staff shortages, which prevent the EPPO from effectively fulfilling its duties. Kövesi reported on the first results of EPPO’s activities since its operational start on 1 June 2021, but she also pointed out that additional human resources are urgently needed. She called for at least 130 staff (in addition to the existing 120 employees), in particular financial investigators, IT specialists and support staff. MEPs promised support during the upcoming negotiations on the EU budget for 2022.