EU prosecutor investigates centre-right EPP over consultant payments

Probe centres on more than half a million euros in contracts awarded ahead of 2024 European election

By LineZotpaper

Published23 October 2026

Updated23 October 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the centre-right European People's Party over alleged misuse of funds in contracts with two Greek consultants, a media consortium has reported. The investigation focuses on payments totalling more than €500,000 awarded ahead of the 2024 European election, with the European Parliament refusing to reimburse the full amount after deeming the costs excessive.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has opened an investigation into the European People's Party (EPP) over its contracts with two Greek consultants, according to a report by Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung, Dutch investigative outlet Follow the Money and Greece's Inside Story.

The investigation concerns more than half a million euros awarded to the consultants for communications work ahead of the 2024 European election campaign. The European Parliament, which finances European political parties, refused to reimburse the contracts in full, covering only the initial €110,000 payments. This left the EPP to cover approximately €350,000 itself, the outlets reported.

Former EPP employees told the media consortium that the consultants' fees were disproportionate to the work delivered. The consultants disputed that assessment and said they had subsequently reimbursed part of the money.

The EPPO neither confirmed nor denied the investigation, stating it could not comment in case it jeopardised any ongoing proceedings.

A spokesperson for the EPP said: "We have not been formally notified regarding this matter. The EPP fully respects the independence and mandate of the relevant authorities and remains committed to providing them complete transparency and full cooperation, should it be requested."

Analysis

Why This Matters

This is the first known investigation by the EPPO into a major European political party, testing the office's ability to police EU-level political funding.
The case raises questions about transparency and accountability in how European parties spend taxpayer-funded subsidies ahead of elections.
Depending on the outcome, it could lead to tighter rules on consultancy contracts or even prosecution of party officials.

Background

The European People's Party is the largest political group in the European Parliament, bringing together centre-right parties from across the EU. The EPPO is an independent body that investigates and prosecutes crimes against the EU budget, such as fraud and corruption. EU political parties receive funding from the Parliament's budget, governed by regulations that require spending to be reasonable and transparent.

Key Perspectives

European People's Party: The EPP maintains it has not been formally notified of the investigation and states it will cooperate fully if asked. It has not yet addressed the substance of the allegations. Consultants: The two Greek consultants disputed claims that their fees were excessive and said they had repaid part of the money, though details of the repayment have not been made public. European Parliament: By refusing to reimburse the full contracts, the Parliament effectively judged the costs as disproportionate, but its role in the affair is limited to funding oversight. European Public Prosecutor's Office: The EPPO is conducting the investigation but has declined to comment, citing the need to protect the integrity of proceedings.

What to Watch

Whether the EPPO formally confirms the investigation or notifies the EPP, triggering a formal phase.
Any further reporting from the media consortium, which may reveal additional details or documents.
The response from other EU institutions, particularly the European Parliament, which may tighten funding rules if evidence of misuse emerges.

Sources

EU prosecutor probes EPP over consultant contracts · Politico Europe
EU prosecutor reviews EPP consultancy contracts linked to Greece’s ruling party · Kathimerini English

Checked

11 claims in this story checked against 1 source: 10 supported.

Show each claim

SupportedThe EU prosecutor is investigating the EPP over consultant payments.Politico Europe: “The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the center-right European People’s Party over alleged misuse of funds in its contracts with two Greek consultants”
SupportedThe probe centres on more than €500,000 in contracts awarded ahead of the 2024 European election.Politico Europe: “The investigation centers on more than half a million euros awarded to two consultants ahead of the 2024 European election.”
SupportedThe EPPO has opened an investigation into the EPP over contracts with two Greek consultants.Politico Europe: “The European Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the center-right European People’s Party over alleged misuse of funds in its contracts with two Greek consultants”
SupportedThe investigation concerns alleged misuse of funds, as reported by a media consortium.Politico Europe: “over alleged misuse of funds in its contracts with two Greek consultants, a media consortium reported.”
Partly supportedThe investigation concerns payments totalling more than €500,000.Politico Europe: “The investigation centers on more than half a million euros awarded to two consultants ahead of the 2024 European election.”
SupportedThe European Parliament refused to reimburse the contracts in full after deeming the costs excessive.Politico Europe: “The European Parliament, which finances European political parties, refused to reimburse the contracts in full after deeming the costs excessive.”
SupportedThe Parliament covered only the initial €110,000 payments, leaving the EPP to pay roughly €350,000 itself.Politico Europe: “It covered only the initial €110,000 payments, leaving the EPP to pay roughly €350,000 itself”
SupportedFormer EPP employees told the outlets that the consultants’ fees were disproportionate to the work delivered.Politico Europe: “former EPP employees told reporters at the outlets that their fees were disproportionate to the work they delivered.”
SupportedThe consultants disputed that assessment and said they had reimbursed part of the money.Politico Europe: “The consultants disputed that assessment and said they had subsequently reimbursed part of the money.”
SupportedThe EPPO neither confirmed nor denied the investigation and said it could not comment in case it jeopardised ongoing proceedings.Politico Europe: “The EPPO neither confirmed nor denied the investigation, saying it could not comment in case it jeopardized any ongoing proceedings or their outcome.”
SupportedThe EPP spokesperson said: “We have not been formally notified regarding this matter. The EPP fully respects the independence and mandate of the relevant authorities and remains committed to providing them complete transparency and full cooperation, should it be requested.”Politico Europe: “A spokesperson for the EPP said: “We have not been formally notified regarding this matter. The EPP fully respects the independence and mandate of the relevant authorities and remains committed to providing them complete transparency and full cooperation, should it be requested.””