As of the 6 July, the Directive on the fight against fraud to the Union’s financial interests by means of criminal law (PIF directive) enters into force.
By harmonising the definitions, sanctions and prescription periods of the criminal offences linked to fraud to the EU budget, it will make work of judicial and police authorities more efficient to fight these types of crimes. The Directive will also be the basis of the work of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Remarks by the Commissioner
Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality Věra Jourová said: “Together with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, the new rules will better protect the EU budget from fraud. I count on Member States to fully and swiftlytranspose these new rules. The European taxpayers’ money must be duly protected from criminals.”
Commission’s strategy
The Directive is part of the Commission’s strategy to strengthen the protection of the EU budget. It will improve the deterrence and effectiveness of the fight against criminals by aligning the Member States’ approaches. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office will play a key role in investigating, prosecuting and enforcing these offences. The new body is currently being set up and should be operational at the end of 2020. For more information, see information on the EPPO and the Directive on the fight against fraud to the EU budget.
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