The government is opening a public call for applications to select two European Delegate Prosecutors to join the Justice Ministry.

The news comes after Minister for Justice, Equality and Governance Edward Zammit Lewis held a meeting via video conferencing with European Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi, from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).

The EPPO is currently being set up with the main aim of enhancing investigations, prosecution and bring to judgement of offences affecting the Union’s financial interests, such as fraud and money laundering offences.

During the conference, Kovesi expressed her satisfaction that Malta works very efficiently and effectively with the European Commission and the current German Presidency of the Council of the EU to unblock the deadlocked situation.

She said that Malta faced objective obstacles in nominating a European Prosecutor on the College of Prosecutors within this Office due to the limited pool of eligible applicants.

Zammit Lewis said that the significant number of reforms being undertaken at a national level is intended to strengthen the quality, independence and efficiency of the national justice structures and institutions. This is being achieved through a structured dialogue with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, as well as with the European Commission.

Now the government will commence in the process of selecting two European Delegate Prosecutors to join this Office, who will be seated in Malta. This will be done through an open call for applications.

“The government is committed to continue promoting reforms in the context of a holistic national justice reform. This is exactly what the administration under Prime Minister Robert Abela has promised and this is what this Administration is delivering,” concluded Zammit Lewis.