Author: Simone Garbagnati
Committee: Media Committee
Date: 28/05/2024
Step into the world of legal intrigue and transnational cooperation as Roberto Saviano, renowned for his fearless pursuit of truth, sits down with Prosecutor Danilo Ceccarelli, now EPPO senior coordinator. In this exclusive interview, they peel back the layers of one of Europe’s most groundbreaking initiatives, promising insights that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
But before we dive in, let’s set the scene: Picture a groundbreaking initiative born from Regulation 2017/1939, aiming to forge a unified judicial powerhouse with investigative prowess across 22 Member States. The EPPO’s mandate? Safeguarding the EU’s financial interests and tackling high-stakes crimes outlined in the PIF Directive (2017/1371), like budgetary fraud exceeding national borders or VAT schemes eclipsing 10 million euros. So, buckle up because when Saviano and Ceccarelli join forces, you know you’re in for an interview like no other—a gripping tale of crime, courage, and the unwavering quest for justice in the modern world.
As Saviano probes the shadowy corners of the EPPO’s operations, Ceccarelli unveils Italy’s pivotal role in orchestrating this judicial coup, highlighting its relentless dedication and painting it as the driving force behind the EPPO’s inception. Italy emerges as a powerhouse, leading the charge against crime within the EU. In fact, Italy dominates the EPPO stats chart, boasting soaring numbers of investigations, staggering amounts of confiscations and seizures, all of which showcase its unwavering commitment to justice on a European scale. But it’s not just about numbers; it’s about impact. Saviano weaves a narrative of Italy’s triumphs, showcasing its prowess in combating PNRR frauds, thwarting criminal enterprises, and securing convictions. Each statistic becomes a badge of honor, a testament to Italy’s resolve in the fight for justice on a European scale.
But here’s the plot twist: despite the EPPO’s efforts and Italy’s star performance, mainstream media seems oddly silent on their achievements. Why this, Saviano asks himself?
Picture this: a labyrinth of institutional protocols, where the EPPO’s press office leaves traditional media outlets grasping at shadows. Yet, beyond this bureaucratic maze lies a deeper dilemma—the elusive nature of newsworthiness. In a world where scandals and sensations reign supreme, economic and financial matters often languish in the shadows, overshadowed by the glitz of celebrity gossip and political intrigue. But there’s more to the story. The subjects of the EPPO’s investigations are not the titans of tabloids or the idols of Instagram; they dwell in the murky depths of tax evasion and financial malfeasance. It’s a realm of complexity and technicality, where only the savviest readers dare to tread. But there is a tale waiting to be told. It’s a saga of tireless prosecutors waging war against white-collar crime, of victories won in the shadows and battles fought in the boardrooms. It’s a narrative that transcends headlines and captures the imagination—a story of justice, in all its intricate glory, unfolding before our very eyes.
Despite the hurdles, the prosecutor’s office is finally stepping into the spotlight, with major newspapers reporting on its achievements:
• ANSA, 04/4/2024, reported the discovery of a PNRR fraud worth 17 million euros. • LA STAMPA, regarding a fraud amounting to 600 million euros.
• SHIPPING ITALY, in relation to a tax fraud involving shippers from Prato and Bologna with estimated damages of 7 million euros.
But wait, there’s more! A secret weapon in the EPPO’s arsenal emerges: a media committee led by none other than Roberto Saviano, tirelessly championing their cause through savvy blog posts and international outreach. The result? A surge in interest, a buzz of excitement around a once niche topic.
Yet, despite these daring maneuvers, the EPPO remains a shadowy figure, lurking in the margins of public awareness, as Cesare Gai (secretary of the penal chamber of Rome) astutely observes. So what’s the plan? Enter social media, the modern battleground of ideas might seem an unlikely ally, but they hold the power to bridge the gap between the EPPO and the masses. Creating official accounts on these platforms could facilitate better dissemination of information about the EPPO, helping to reduce the perceived distance between citizens and the EPPO, thereby aiding in a better understanding of its role and importance within the European Union.
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