EU's chief prosecutor accuses Slovenia of undermining bloc's judicial system

The European Union Public Prosecutor's Office accused Slovenia on Friday of undermining the bloc's judicial system and expressed doubts about the adequate protection of the Union's budget from fraud or corruption.

The office, which has been operating since June, aims at independently investigating crimes, such as corruption, related to the EU budget.

Slovenia is the only member that has not appointed two prosecutors for the agency.

EU Chief Prosecutor Laura Kovesi told members of the European Parliament that "the fact that a member state prevents the proper functioning of the EU judicial institution sets a perilous precedent."

Kovesi says the office she runs must work "as if it does not exist in Slovenia".

"In this situation, how can Slovenia ensure adequate and complete supervision of the bodies responsible for the management and control of the Union funds? How can Slovenia guarantee efficient court proceedings for all detected irregularities? Is the EU budget adequately protected?" Koveshi asked.