{
  "id": 16179221,
  "title": "EU prosecutor probes EPP over consultant contracts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/eu-prosecutor-probes-epp-over-consultant-contracts",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T11:37:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Politico EU",
    "slug": "politico-eu",
    "url": "https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-prosecutor-probes-epp-consultant-contracts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Public Prosecutor's Office is examining the European People's Party, a center-right political organization, in relation to alleged misuse of funds concerning two Greek consultants. The investigation focuses on over half a million euros awarded to the consultants prior to the 2024 European elections. The European Parliament initially denied reimbursement for the contracts due to their considered excessiveness, only covering the initial €110,000 payments. This left the EPP responsible for approximately €350,000, as reported by Germany's Süddeutsche Zeitung, a Dutch investigative outlet, and Greece's Inside Story.\n\nThe consultants were contracted to assist the party with its communication efforts ahead of the election campaign. However, former EPP employees have alleged that their fees were disproportionate to the work they performed. The consultants have contested this claim, stating they later reimbursed a portion of the money. The European Public Prosecutor's Office has neither confirmed nor denied the investigation, citing its inability to comment without potentially jeopardizing ongoing proceedings or their outcomes. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the EPP stated that they have not been officially informed of the matter. They emphasized their respect for the independence and mandate of the relevant authorities, promising full transparency and cooperation if requested.",
  "summary": "The European Parliament refused to refund some of the conservative party's pre-election spending.",
  "key_points": [
    "EU prosecutor investigates EPP over consultant contracts.",
    "€350,000 dispute over Greek consultants' fees.",
    "EPP claims unaware of investigation."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The probe into disproportionate consultant fees signals heightened scrutiny over how major political organizations manage campaign funds and justify expenditures to European oversight authorities.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}