Kristian Vigenin supported Andres Ritter for the next European Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor's Office

The Bulgarian MEP from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament Kristian Vigenin supported the candidacy of the German prosecutor Andres Ritter for the next European Chief Prosecutor of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

During the secret vote in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) Ritter received the strongest support among the candidates and positioned himself as the favourite to succeed Laura Kovesi, whose term ends in October 2026.

Andres Ritter’s priorities

„Andres Ritter is a proven professional with rich experience in the fight against economic crime and cybercrime. In recent years, as Deputy European Chief Prosecutor of the EPPO, he has shown consistency and determination in protecting the EU’s financial interests“, Vigenin said after the vote.

At the hearing before the MEPs, Ritter outlined his main priorities: faster and more effective investigations of cross-border fraud, corruption and crimes affecting the European Union budget. He stressed the need for the EPPO to go on strengthening its operational mechanisms and broadening its cooperation with the authorities of the member states.

Consultations between the member states in the Council of the EU and the European Parliament are to follow, after which Ritter’s nomination will be officially confirmed.