GREECE Trends and Developments Contributed by: Ilias Anagnostopoulos and Constantina Akrida, Anagnostopoulos
responsibility of sitting MPs allegedly involved in the OPEKEPE scandal. In relation to MPs the parliamentary procedure dif - fers. Article 62 of the Constitution provides that, for the duration of the parliamentary term, an MP may not be prosecuted, arrested, imprisoned, or otherwise restricted without the permission of parliament. The EPPO, therefore, requested the lifting of parlia - mentary immunity in order to proceed with the inves - tigation into the possible commission of illegal acts by MPs to the detriment of the financial interests of the European Union, while remaining competent to conduct such an investigation. The Plenary of Parliament, by a broad majority, approved the request to lift the immunity of 13 MPs. This development has been commended by the Euro - pean Chief Prosecutor during her speech at the Delphi Economic Forum in April 2026. Laura Kövesi stated that the parliament’s decision makes the investiga - tion into the alleged acts possible while not presuming guilt of those involved thus strengthening the EU-wide During her visits to Greece, European Chief Pros - ecutor, Laura Kövesi described the OPEKEPE case as synonymous with corruption, nepotism, and cli - entelism, while outlining a broader problem across Europe. She noted that, in her view, the relevant crimi - nal activity in Greece “was highly systematic and very well organized, with the involvement of high-ranking officials”. rule of law. Discussion
These statements have triggered applause by the opposition and criticism by high-ranking politicians for being unduly “political” and exceeding the EEPO’s mandate. Be it as it may, it should be noted that EPPO is wide - ly regarded as successful EU institution in the fight against crimes affecting the Union’s financial interests and the promotion of a culture of co-operation within EU’s Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice. The OPEKEPE case caused public discontent, with part of public opinion considering that such incidents reinforce a perception of lack of transparency and mismanagement within the state. Moreover, the special procedural framework estab - lished by the Greek Constitution in relation to the crim - inal liability of ministers, and the assignment of judicial competence to a political body, the parliament, trig - gers serious disagreement, with critics noting that it constitutes a preferential treatment of ministers and facilitates “cover up” of unlawful conduct. It is expected that further initiatives will be taken in this area to ensure equality in law enforcement while guaranteeing the rights of those involved.
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