Key facts
- Ursula von der Leyen has not yet provided an in-person statement to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) regarding the vaccine procurement investigation.
- The EPPO is investigating von der Leyen for alleged interference in public functions, destruction of SMS, corruption, and conflict of interest.
- The Commission stated it has cooperated extensively with EPPO and that von der Leyen has been cooperative.
- EPPO chief prosecutor Laura Codruța Kövesi expressed concerns about attempts to undermine the institution and difficulties in exercising its competence when high-profile individuals are involved.
- Kövesi cited Greece's government as making a blatant attempt to intimidate EPPO prosecutors.
- EPPO is investigating the alleged misuse of over €4 million by the defunct Identity and Democracy group in the European Parliament.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not yet provided an in-person statement to the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) for its investigation into the procurement of coronavirus vaccines, according to an individual involved in the effort. The EPPO took over a Belgian-led probe in 2024 into alleged criminal wrongdoing in connection with vaccine negotiations between von der Leyen and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla. Prosecutors are investigating von der Leyen for "interference in public functions, destruction of SMS, corruption and conflict of interest."