European Prosecutors Seek Lifting Immunity for 11 Greek MPs

Investigations into alleged corruption linked to OPEKEPE scandal

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:10pm

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The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has requested that the Greek Parliament lift the immunity of 11 sitting Members of Parliament as part of investigations into an alleged corruption scandal involving the country's agricultural payments agency, OPEKEPE.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing efforts by European authorities to crack down on political corruption and abuse of power, particularly among high-ranking officials. The OPEKEPE scandal has raised concerns about transparency and accountability in how agricultural subsidies are distributed in Greece.

The details

The EPPO is seeking to lift the parliamentary immunity of the 11 MPs in order to further investigate their alleged involvement in the OPEKEPE scandal. OPEKEPE is Greece's main agricultural payments agency, responsible for distributing EU agricultural subsidies to farmers. The prosecutors believe the MPs may have used their positions to improperly influence OPEKEPE's operations and funding decisions.

  • The EPPO made the request to the Greek Parliament on April 1, 2026.

The players

European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO)

A new independent EU body established in 2022 to investigate and prosecute crimes against the EU's financial interests, such as fraud, corruption, and money laundering.

Greek Parliament

The legislative body of the Hellenic Republic, responsible for considering the EPPO's request to lift the immunity of the 11 sitting MPs.

OPEKEPE

Greece's main agricultural payments agency, which is at the center of the alleged corruption scandal involving the 11 MPs.

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What they’re saying

“We must get to the bottom of these serious allegations of political interference and abuse of power. The integrity of our agricultural subsidy system is at stake.”

— Laura Kovesi, European Chief Prosecutor

What’s next

The Greek Parliament will now consider the EPPO's request and decide whether to lift the immunity of the 11 MPs to allow further investigation.

The takeaway

This case underscores the challenges faced by European authorities in rooting out political corruption, even at the highest levels of government. The outcome will be closely watched as a test of Greece's commitment to transparency and the rule of law.