New European Chief Prosecutor Selected

The European Parliament has approved Andrés Ritter as the new head of the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) — the EU body responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes against the EU's financial interests.

The EPPO was set up in 2017 and is made up of a Chief Prosecutor and one prosecutor from each EU member country. The first Chief Prosecutor, Laura Codruța Kövesi, has held the role since 2019, and her term ends on 31 October 2026.

To find a replacement, an open application process was launched in April 2025. A selection panel reviewed the applicants and put forward a shortlist of 4 candidates in October 2025. On 3 December 2025, the Parliament's Civil Liberties and Home Affairs Committee held a public hearing where all 4 candidates spoke and answered questions. That same day, the committee voted in favour of Andrés Ritter — and so did the Council of the EU (representing member state governments).

Since both the Parliament and the Council chose the same candidate, Ritter was confirmed as the agreed choice. On 10 March 2026, the Parliament formally approved his appointment.

Andrés Ritter will take up the role on 1 November 2026 for a fixed, non-renewable term of 7 years.