Greece moves to block EU prosecutors from investigating lawmakers

ATHENS — Greece’s government has submitted legislation to effectively block European prosecutors from investigating parliamentarians — a highly sensitive subject because of a major probe into political involvement in a massive farm fraud scandal.

The scandal centers on many Greeks improperly receiving agricultural subsidies for land they did not own, or for farm work they did not do. The multi-year scam was the subject of a POLITICO investigation last year, and it has drawn in numerous politicians.

The Greek government is pushing back hard against the involvement of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in investigations, and its newly proposed legislation sidelines the EU authorities regarding the alleged involvement of parliamentarians in the fraud. The farm scandal probe identified 13 MPs who have since lost their parliamentary immunity.

In an amendment tabled to parliament late on Monday, the government stipulates that in cases involving criminal acts by members of parliament, the investigation must be conducted by a special investigating judge, effectively excluding European prosecutors.

“In cases of criminal acts committed by members of Parliament, for the prosecution of which the relevant authorization of the Parliament has been granted […] in the case of felonies, the preliminary investigation must be conducted, notwithstanding any other general or specific provision, by a special investigating judge,” the provision reads.

The legislative amendment will go to a parliamentary vote late on Tuesday.

EPPO reacted with alarm to Greece's move and the speed with which the legislation was being pushed through. It also casts doubt on Athens' sincerity about ensuring the legal use of EU funds in Greece.

European Prosecutor Laura Codruță Kövesi sent a formal complaint regarding Monday's amendment to the Greek Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis, according to officials following the matter.

In a statement, the EPPO said: "The potential implications of the changes are wide ranging and their rushed adoption, leaving no meaningful opportunity for proper scrutiny or debate, appears at odds with the principle of sincere cooperation when it comes to the protection of the financial interests of the EU in Greece."

The Greek government defended the move, saying that appointing a special investigative judge to probe MPs would be in line with the EPPO system.

“The provision does not alter in the slightest the role of the prosecutors of the EPPO,” a senior government official said.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently promised new legislative action to ensure proceedings involving politicians are resolved swiftly. He has also pledged to his MPs that all of them would be included on the ballots in the next elections, provided there were no final court rulings against them.