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The article analyses OLAF’s future role in light of the establishment of the EPPO under Regulation 2017/1939. Although OLAF remains focused on administrative investigations, its mandate will increasingly intertwine with EPPO criminal proceedings under a “complementarity model.” Klement highlights key challenges: avoiding duplication of work, …

The piece explains how Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 creates the EPPO—the EU’s first true criminal investigation and prosecution office—focused on crimes affecting the Union’s financial interests (PFI) as defined in the PFI Directive (EU) 2017/1371. Set up via enhanced cooperation (20 participating states), the EPPO has …

The article reflects on the 2017 evaluation of Regulation 883/2013, which governs OLAF investigations, and compares it with other EU enforcement bodies under the Hercule III programme. While the Regulation strengthened safeguards, AFCOS coordination, and investigative tools, its effectiveness is hampered by persistent dependence on …

The article reviews the 2017 evaluation of OLAF’s legal framework (Reg. 883/2013) and sketches next steps. Using the EU’s Better Regulation playbook, the Commission found OLAF delivers clear EU added value and largely effective cooperation (notably via AFCOS)—but its investigative powers are fragmented by dependence …

Dear Readers, Efficient and proper spending of the Union’s budget is a key element in preserving the trust of EU citizens and in boosting the strength of the European project. Fraud and corruption must be fought vigorously and effectively. The ultimate goal is a high and equivalent level of protection of the EU’s budget throughout the entire territory of the EU. Important milestones that changed the institutional and legal landscape for the protection of the Union’s budget were reached in 2017. In July, the Directive on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law...

On the occasion of the reference for a preliminary ruling drafted by the Irish High Court, questioning recognition of a EAW issued by Poland because of the fundamental rights situation in the country, the Council of Bars and Law Societies in Europe (CCBE) and the Federation of European Bars (FBE) issued a joint statement on the rule of law and the principle of mutual recognition.

On 3 May 2018, Advocate General (AG) Henrik Saugmandsgaard Øe delivered a notable opinion on the scope of data protection in criminal law enforcement situations. According to the AG, Union law does not preclude investigative measures by which national authorities seek identification data from certain mobile phones held by electronic communication service providers, even if the criminal offense is not of a serious nature.