Laura Kövesi in Athens – European Justice Probes Tempi, OPEKEPE, and Political Controversies

1. The “Iron Lady” of European Justice Arrives in Athens

Laura Kövesi, head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), is arriving in Athens to meet top Greek officials, including ministers, law enforcement leadership, and judiciary representatives. The agenda includes strengthening the Greek EPPO office and reviewing two of the most critical cases affecting both national and European stakeholders: the OPEKEPE fraud scandal and the Tempi rail tragedy.

2. Major Greek Cases Under EPPO Scrutiny

• OPEKEPE: The largest case of fraud involving EU agricultural subsidies in Greece, with damages estimated at hundreds of millions of euros. The investigation has revealed extensive corruption, including fake pasture registrations, fictitious tax IDs, and political interference.
• Tempi Rail Disaster: EPPO examines delays in implementing safety projects on the Greek railway, particularly Contract 717 covering signaling and remote control systems. Kövesi has highlighted obstruction by Greek authorities, giving the tragedy international oversight.

3. Political Dimension: The Latrinopoulou Case

EPPO is reportedly investigating allegations surrounding the founding and EU funding of “Voice of Reason”, the party led by Afrodite Latrinopoulou. Claims of forged signatures and irregularities in party registration have prompted preliminary investigations by Greek prosecutors. If confirmed, these findings could impact both EU funding and the party’s legitimacy in European elections.

4. Political and Institutional Implications

Kövesi’s visit carries symbolic and practical weight:

• It places Greece under European scrutiny regarding the enforcement of EU law and transparency standards.
• Tests the resilience of the Greek rule of law, amid growing public skepticism of institutions and political actors.
• Highlights potential conflicts between national politics and European judicial oversight, particularly in the Latrinopoulou case.

5.  A Visit with Far-Reaching Significance

Laura Kövesi’s presence in Athens goes beyond routine institutional engagement. It touches the heart of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance in Greece. The coming days will reveal whether the country will fully comply with European legal standards or remain entangled in a cycle of political disputes and institutional delays.