Laura Codruta Kovesi: “Seven years ago, I was appointed to lead something that had never existed before. The first transnational prosecution office in history.”

Seven years ago, I was appointed to lead something that had never existed before. The first transnational prosecution office in history.
There were doubts. Could prosecutors from different countries truly work as one? Could we build a genuinely independent European prosecution office? Could a prosecutor from Romania succeed at the European level?
I did not smile then. But I do smile now. Because professionalism has no gender, competence has no age, and integrity has no nationality.

Today, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office is a reality. A strong, independent institution that has changed the way we investigate and prosecute financial crime across Europe.

We have investigated thousands of cases, confronted powerful criminal organisations, and challenged practices tolerated for far too long.
But justice is not a cost-benefit calculation. Our greatest achievement cannot be measured only in numbers. It lies in demonstrating that European integration works, that independence is worth defending and that no one should be above the law.

I grew up under communism when freedom was a dangerous word. Perhaps this is why Europe has never been an abstract idea to me. It has always meant freedom, dignity, and the possibility of a different future.
Becoming the first European Chief Prosecutor gave me the extraordinary opportunity to give something back. And I gave it my best.

These seven years have not been easy. There were difficult decisions, setbacks and battles that sometimes seemed impossible to win. I did not achieve everything I had hoped for. But I never gave up. And I never stood alone.
To my colleagues at the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO): you are what makes me most proud of these seven years! Your courage, integrity and extraordinary dedication have transformed an ambitious European idea into a strong institution. Together, we have proven that when Europeans work as one, they can achieve what once seemed impossible. Because Europe cannot mean weak.

As I conclude my mandate, I leave with pride, gratitude, and confidence. But also with one conviction: building an independent institution is difficult. Protecting its independence is a permanent responsibility. The EPPO must remain strong because of the mission it serves.
It has been the honour of my professional life to serve as the first European Chief Prosecutor. I leave knowing that we have proved that what once seemed impossible is possible.And I would do it all again.

I will always carry the EPPO in my heart.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this extraordinary journey!

Source: https://lnkd.in/p/dQNxhUfx