The European Commission has published its first evaluation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office’s legal framework, finding that the office has strengthened protection of the EU budget, particularly in complex cross-border cases. Its hybrid structure, combining a central office in Luxembourg with European Delegated Prosecutors in participating member states, has helped investigators identify links between cases, individuals and companies that might otherwise remain undetected. Operational activity increased substantially between 2021 and 2025. Investigations rose from 515 to 3,602, while the amount covered by freezing orders increased from EUR 147.3 million to EUR 1.13 billion. The evaluation also identified legal ambiguities, divergent national implementation, information-sharing difficulties and uneven support from member states. It called for better evidence on case outcomes and recoveries, more consistent implementation and stronger cooperation with relevant authorities. The findings will inform the Commission’s ongoing review of the EU anti-fraud architecture and a joint impact assessment covering the regulations governing the European Public Prosecutor’s Office and the European Anti-Fraud Office, as well as the Directive on the protection of the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law.
2026-09-18European Commission
European Commission’s first evaluation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office finds strong performance and implementation gaps
The European Commission’s first evaluation of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office found strong growth in its cross-border enforcement activity, with investigations rising from 515 in 2021 to 3,602 in 2025. However, legal ambiguities, divergent national implementation, information-sharing difficulties and uneven member-state support continue to limit its effectiveness. The findings will feed into the wider review of the EU anti-fraud architecture.