Ukraine's Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and European Public Prosecutor's Office agree to jointly combat EU fund misuse

The Specialised Anti-corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office in Luxembourg have signed a memorandum of cooperation, which provides for increased cooperation to prevent the misuse of EU funds allocated to Ukraine.

Source: European Pravda, citing SAPO

Quote: "The document sets off a new era in cooperation between Ukrainian and European prosecutors. In particular, it provides for the establishment of a permanent communication channel for joint response to offences that may relate to EU funds allocated to support and rebuild Ukraine."

Details: The document was signed following a meeting between SAPO Head Oleksandr Klymenko and European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi.

The Ukrainian prosecutor's office emphasised that cooperation between SAPO and the European Public Prosecutor's Office would provide an additional guarantee of the transparent use of international aid to Ukraine and prevent abuse in the areas of defence, humanitarian and reconstruction programmes.

Klymenko's visit to Luxembourg took place with the support of the EU Anti-Corruption Initiative.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is an institution established to protect the EU budget from fraud and corruption.

Background:

• In July, acting on a request from the European Public Prosecutor's Office, Polish authorities carried out the first detention in a fraud case involving the distribution of EU-funded food aid intended for the needy and refugees.
• Greece faced a fine of almost €400 million from the EU in June for misusing agricultural funds.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!