The Minister of Justice Alina Gorghiu met on Friday in the fields of the Juvs Council with the chief prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, Laura Codruca Kovesi.

Laura Kodruta Kovesi is the chief prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s OfficePhoto: JOHN THYS / AFP / Profimedia

On Friday evening, the Ministry of Justice reported that on the sidelines of the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JAI) meeting, Justice Minister Alina Gorghiu had a working meeting with the Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), Laura Codruţa Kovesi, News.ro reports.

“Good discussion with Laura Kodruza Kovesi, Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The Ministry of Justice has done its job. Romania has a full scheme of 20 prosecutors in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office from 14 July 2023. Romanian EPPO prosecutors are doing their job well. We continue to support the activities of EPPO,” said Alina Gorghiu.

The Minister of Justice reports that there are 1,117 ongoing investigations at the European level into total losses estimated at €14.1 billion (47% of which are related to VAT fraud).

According to Gorgiou, in 2022 the judges approved the absence of 359 million euros in EPPO investigations.

“According to Europol’s estimates, VAT fraud alone leads to annual costs of 50 billion euros for EU public finances,” Alina Gorgiu also reported.