The Commission decided that Greece has not correctly transposed into its national law the provisions of the directive that provide a definition of “passive bribery” and “public official”.
The European Commission announced today that it has sent a letter of reasoned opinion to Greece, because it did not correctly transpose into its national law the directive on combating, through criminal law, fraud against the Union’s financial interests (the TOR Directive).
These rules, on the one hand, increase the level of protection of the EU budget by harmonizing the definitions, sanctions and limitation periods of criminal offenses affecting the financial interests of the Union and, on the other hand, lay the foundations for the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
The committee first sent a warning letter to Greece in December 2021. After analyzing the responses of the Greek Authorities, the Commission concluded that Greece has not correctly transposed into its national law the provisions of the Directive that provide a definition of “passive bribery” and “public official”. In addition, the Commission considered that certain provisions notified by Greece provide for rules that limit the effectiveness and deterrence of sanctions provided for criminal offenses falling within the scope of the Directive.
For this reason, the Commission decided to send a reasoned opinion to Greece, which has two months to respond and correct the deficiencies pointed out by the Commission. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Tags: Commission calls Greece properly transpose rules fight fraud EUs financial interests
