03-12-2025 09:30
Public Hearing of the Candidates for European Chief Prosecutor

Hearings LIBE CONT
European Public Prosecutor’s Office
EPPO © European Union, 2023

The LIBE Committee, in association with CONT Committee, has organised the public hearing of the candidates for European Chief Prosecutor, a key position in setting EPPO's strategic direction and ensuring EU-wide enforcement against complex financial crime.

Shortlisted candidates (alphabetical order below)

  • Stefano CASTELLANI
  • Ingrid MASCHL-CLAUSEN
  • Andrés RITTER
  • Emilio Jesús SÁNCHEZ ULLED

presented their vision for leading the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), answered questions from Members of the LIBE Committee and of the CONT Committee, and demonstrated how they plan to effectively investigate and bring to justice crimes against the financial interests of the EU with independence, professionalism, and integrity.

The European Chief Prosecutor is the one who will head the EPPO for a mandate of seven years, organise the work and direct the activities of the EU's independent public prosecution office, according to the EPPO Regulation 2017/1939.

The LIBE Committee plays a central role by:

  • Conducting public hearings to ensure transparency
  • Evaluating candidates' experience, independence, and strategic approach
  • Preparing the Parliament's position for the appointment by common accord with the Council of the European Union

The CONT Committee was associated to the hearing as opinion-giving committee and conducted its own assessment.