FLASH
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While in the Czech Republic, Macedonia or Greece there are investigations, arrests and convictions, in Albania the file remains blocked...
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has opened a criminal investigation into Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš on suspicion of harming the financial interests of the European Union.
According to documents published by Czech media outlet Seznam Zprávy, European Delegated Prosecutor Daniela Bártíková opened criminal proceedings on May 24 for suspected offences affecting EU funds.
In a response to Euractiv, an EPPO spokesperson confirmed the existence of the investigation. "The EPPO can confirm that it is conducting an investigation. No further information can be made public at this stage, in order not to jeopardise the outcome of the ongoing proceedings," the spokesperson stated.
The investigation is related to Agrofert, the agrochemical conglomerate founded by Babiš, which is suspected of continuing to benefit from billions of Czech crowns in European Union agricultural subsidies, despite long-standing concerns about the prime minister's ties to the company.
The opening of criminal proceedings does not mean the laying of charges nor does it imply guilt. According to EPPO rules, it indicates that prosecutors consider the suspicions to be sufficiently credible to justify a formal investigation.
The case brings to light the conflict of interest that has dogged Babiš for years. During his previous term as prime minister, the European Commission concluded that, although he had transferred Agrofert to trust funds, he continued to benefit from and exercise influence over the company, creating a conflict of interest under EU rules.
Babiš, who transferred Agrofert back into trust funds in February 2026, insists that he no longer controls the company and that he fully respects Czech and European legislation.
However, the European Commission has continued to ask the Czech authorities to justify the legal basis for the resumption of EU subsidy payments to Agrofert and has not publicly stated that the conflict of interest issue has been resolved.
Albanian reality
Meanwhile, Albania continues to remain the "black sheep" regarding the abuse of EU funds.
Brussels has been demanding strong measures and accountability for the abuses of IPARD funds for months, but both the government and the judiciary have failed in this regard. The funds remain blocked because Brussels is not yet convinced that they will be used correctly by the "Rama" government.
In North Macedonia, an official at the Ministry of Agriculture, Jasmina Kostadinova, has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after admitting to receiving money for the IPARD program.
A similar scandal erupted in Greece. After an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, it was revealed that there was abuse of agricultural funds. Over 20 people were arrested there.
Meanwhile, in Albania, the IPARD file is still pending. In June 2021, the European Commission, through the Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), sent a criminal complaint to SPAK and an official statement to Prime Minister Edi Rama, accusing former minister and former president of AZHBR, Frida Krifca, of massive abuse of IPARD II funds intended for Albanian farmers. Instead of taking action, Edi Rama rewarded her with a ministerial post, an appointment that caused a strong reaction from Brussels. The Albanian government promised verifications and cooperation with OLAF, but in reality did not take any concrete action.
Currently, SPAK is said to be closing the file, but there is still no concrete charge against Krifca or the other names involved. Krifca herself and several of her associates have been questioned, but the investigations have been in the preliminary phase for almost 5 years. / Pamphlet
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