VON DER LEYEN HAS YET TO GIVE STATEMENT IN PROBE INTO VACCINE PROCUREMENT

ATHENS, OCTOBER 28 /SRNA/ – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has yet to give a statement to the European Public Prosecutor`s Office /EPPO/ as part of an investigation into the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines, the Politico news portal reports.

In 2024, the European Public Prosecutor`s Office took over an investigation conducted by Belgium into alleged criminal offences related to negotiations over vaccine procurement between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.

A legal document reviewed by Politico states that the prosecutor`s office is investigating von der Leyen over interference with public functions, the destruction of text messages, corruption and conflicts of interest.

European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi said she had repeatedly encountered EU officials who refused to respond to summonses issued by her office.

"Some politicians believe they are above the law. If you are summoned to give a statement, you must appear. I will not hesitate to say that we always have difficulties carrying out our duties, particularly when high-profile individuals are involved in an investigation, whether politicians or very wealthy people connected to the political establishment," Kövesi said.

She declined to confirm whether von der Leyen was among those officials, explaining that she could not comment on specific investigations.

The European Public Prosecutor`s Office, established in 2017 and operational since 2021, is responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes affecting the EU`s financial interests.