Zagreb (Eurotoday) – European prosecutors cautioned of breaches of the rule of law in Croatia, after the country took over a graft investigation they had launched, and expressed they had informed Brussels.
The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Zagreb probed eight people, including former health minister Vili Beros, on suspicion of bribery, abuse of position and money laundering. According to the EPPO, the project secured “undue financial gains” through the procurement of medical equipment for public hospitals funded by money from both the European Union and Croatia.
What triggered the dispute between Croatian and European prosecutors?
However, Zagreb extended a separate investigation that led to the detention of Beros and two others last week. The minister was sacked by Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic immediately after he was apprehended. European prosecutors hoped their Croatian peers to hand the matter over to them but the country’s attorney-general, Ivan Turudic, determined that the national anti-graft prosecutors (USKOK) would be in command.
The EPPO stated in a statement that it “strongly conflicts with the decision of the state attorney-general” but nonetheless “abided by his ruling… and relinquished its investigation to USKOK”. European prosecutors discovered on the day of the arrests about an investigation led by the Croatian officers “into facts falling within the EPPO’s competence”, it stated.
European chief prosecutor Laura Kovesi subsequently reported to the European Commission about the events, “underlining Croatia’s systemic challenges in upholding the rule of law”, the statement added. Among its key situations, the EPPO said that it had been unable to express its position to the attorney-general and that Croatian prosecutors had failed to document that they were investigating an EU-funded undertaking.
What challenges does Croatia face in tackling corruption in public health?
Local media and the opposition assume that the Croatian investigation, which targets fewer people, was projected as a damage control measure to stop a more thorough probe. Croatia has long worked to contain rampant corruption and the public health sector has been notorious for the bribing of doctors. Many public hospital doctors work in similar private clinics, where they often direct their patients and where they can charge fees — generating widespread public annoyance.
Comments
6 responses to “European Prosecutors Voice Concerns About Croatia’s Legal Proceedings”
-
Ah, Croatia’s legal proceedings – it’s like watching a soap opera where the plot twist is always, “Surprise! We’re still corrupt!” as the local prosecutors try to teach the European ones how to play a game they’ve already lost.
-
Ah, Croatia’s legal proceedings – where the European Union’s rule of law is just another suggestion, like ordering a pint of lager in a fancy café and expecting it not to come with a side of bureaucratic confusion; truly, who knew corruption could be so…efficiently managed?
-
Ah, Croatia, where the prosecutors play a delightful game of “pass the parcel” with corruption cases, all while the rest of Europe watches with a mix of bemusement and a cheeky glass of wine—cheers to keeping the rule of law as slippery as a wet bar of soap!
-
Ah, Croatia’s legal proceedings—where even the European prosecutors are left playing a game of “who’s got the better corruption probe,” as if they’re not all just trying to out-finesse each other in a bureaucratic tango that makes classic slapstick look like a well-rehearsed ballet.
-
Ah, Croatia’s legal ballet: where European prosecutors pirouette in concern while the local attorney-general takes the lead in a charming little two-step of defiance—who knew the rule of law could be such a delightful dance-off?
-
Ah, the Croatian legal system tackling corruption—it’s like watching a cat try to catch its own tail; amusing, slightly chaotic, and you can’t help but wonder if anyone’s actually in charge while Brussels sends a polite reminder that perhaps a little less improvised theatre could go a long way.
-
Ah, Croatia’s legal escapades are like a fine wine—rich in complexity and just a tad sour, proving once again that when it comes to rule of law, it’s more of a “choose your own adventure” story than a straightforward narrative.
Last News
Scholz’s Leadership Shortcomings
Winter is Coming — Along with Russia’s Elite Hackers
Bilzen’s €31M Railway Upgrade: New Bridges and Tunnels by Frédéric Petit
Bilzen (Eurotoday): In Bilzen, Belgium, Infrabel is upgrading railway crossings with a €31 million project, adding bridges and tunnels to enhance safety and mobility, expected to be completed by spring 2027.
In Bilzen, work on railway crossings began in March. A bridge is being built on Molenstraat and Boomstraat for all traffic, and a tunnel will be added on Sint-Lambertuslaan. Bicycle tunnels
Inside Keir Starmer’s Election Night Frenzy
MEP Ștefan Mușoiu Advocates for Enhanced Passenger Protections
Brussels (Eurotoday) – MEP Ștefan Mușoiu demands better protection for airline passengers, addressing abuses like overbooking, price hikes, and accessibility issues.
MEP Ștefan Mușoiu from S&D Group and member of the Romanian Social-Democrat Party demanded explanations during the Tourism and Transport Committee (TRAN) meeting about the monitoring and better safeness of the rights of airline
EU: Enhancing Transparency in Sustainability Assessments
In a move to enhance investor confidence in sustainable financial products, EU countries have approved new regulations governing sustainability ratings for companies and investment products. These measures, adopted in Brussels, aim to make ESG ratings—short for Environmental, Social, and Governance—more reliable and comparable.
Putin Confirms Russia’s Launch of New Ballistic Missile at Ukraine
Maxim Trio, Collins Club Owner from Knokke-Heist, Found Dead in Panama: Community in Mourning
Knokke-Heist (Eurotoday): Maxim Trio, manager of Collins Club in Knokke-Heist, was found dead under suspicious circumstances. Friends mourned his loss with a beach memorial, highlighting his impact on the community.
The death of a popular man from Knokke-Heist has left the community in shock. He was well-known for his beach bar, a favorite spot for locals and tourists during the summer. Since th
Jinnih Beels Shifts from Antwerp Alderman to Provincial Councillor Amid Political Shifts
Antwerp (Eurotoday): Jinnih Beels, former alderman for Education in Antwerp, has stepped away from city politics to focus on her new role as a provincial councillor in Kempen after being elected to the federal parliament.
Jinnih Beels, the former alderman for Education in Antwerp, has stepped away from city politics after facing internal party conflicts and chose not to run in the recent municip
European Committee of the Regions – N. Hardalias: Prioritizing Flood Protection for Major Cities at the European Level
The Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, emphasized the urgent need for a permanent financial support mechanism for European regions to tackle projects that safeguard against natural hazards. This statement was made during his address at the 163rd Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions in Brussels.
Mr. Hardalias remarked, “The recent floods in Valencia serve as a powerful
Leave a Reply