A Cooperation Agreement was concluded today, in Bucharest, between the National Anti-Corruption Centre (NAC) of the Republic of Moldova and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO). The document was signed by the Director of the NAC, Alexandr Pînzari, and the Chief Prosecutor of the EPPO, Laura Codruța Kovesi. The working agreement will allow the EPPO and the NAC to exchange information, expertise and resources to contribute more effectively to the investigation and prosecution of cross-border crimes.

According to the Agreement, the joint actions of these institutions will focus on cases related to corruption and fraud concerning EU funds, as well as on the recovery of criminal assets, creating a legal framework for the secure and efficient exchange of information, data and evidence. This will greatly contribute to the identification of complex criminal networks operating in the Republic of Moldova and in EU Member States.

The parties will also strengthen their capacities through the exchange of expertise, with the EPPO being the institution that will provide technical assistance, training and best practices to the NAC to strengthen the institutional capacity to investigate corruption cases. The agreement ensures that resources from EU financial assistance and development funds are used in a transparent and efficient manner and represents a step forward towards further alignment with EU requirements in the field of governance, rule of law and anti-corruption policy.

“This cooperation between the EPPO and the NAC will strengthen the interaction between the two institutions, add value to investigations and increase the institutional capacity to combat corruption and fraud crimes. Such a partnership not only serves the interests of protecting the EU's financial interests, but also contributes to the broader objectives of transparency, accountability and European integration”, said the Director of the National Anti-corruption Centre, Alexandr Pînzari, after the signing of the Agreement.

It should be noted that these days, a delegation of the National Anti-corruption Centre is participating in the 23rd annual EPAC/EACN Conference, which is taking place in Bucharest, Romania, titled “Together for Integrity”.