The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has launched an investigation into the European People's Party (EPP) for potential misuse of funds in consulting contracts with two Greek consultants. This investigation relates to expenses of over half a million euros paid to these consultants before the 2024 European elections.
Details of Contracts and Expenses
According to reports, the European Parliament, which funds the expenses of European political parties, has refused to fully reimburse these contracts due to an assessment of costs as unreasonable. This body has only covered initial payments amounting to 110,000 euros, leaving the remaining costs of approximately 350,000 euros to be borne by the European People's Party.
The hired consultants were responsible for working on the party's communications in the lead-up to the election campaign. However, some former staff of the European People's Party told reporters that the costs of these consultants were disproportionate to the services provided. In response, the consultants rejected this assessment and stated that they had reimbursed part of these costs later.
EPP and EPPO Positions
The European Public Prosecutor's Office has neither confirmed nor denied that it is investigating and has stated that it cannot comment on the matter, as this may affect ongoing processes or their outcomes. A spokesperson for the European People's Party stated: "We have not yet been officially informed about this matter. The European People's Party fully respects the independence and mission of the relevant institutions and is committed to providing all necessary transparency and cooperation if requested."
