Ritter Nominated EU Chief Prosecutor

The European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice, and Home Affairs has officially endorsed Andrés Ritter as the next European Chief Prosecutor. This approval marks a significant step in Ritter’s appointment process, setting the stage for a full parliamentary vote expected in March 2026.

Mr. Ritter, who has been serving as the Deputy European Chief Prosecutor since November 2020, received strong support during the committee vote on Monday. Of the members present, 52 voted in favor of his nomination, while 10 opposed and six abstained. This decision followed a rigorous selection process, including a Q&A session held on December 3, 2025, where Ritter and three other candidates presented their qualifications and vision for the role.

The role of the European Chief Prosecutor is crucial in overseeing the functionality of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), which handles crimes against the EU’s financial interests. The position requires a collaborative confirmation from both the European Parliament and the Council. Andrés Ritter’s prior experience in Germany’s prosecution service and his tenure as Deputy Chief Prosecutor have been pivotal in his preliminary endorsement by both institutions.

The current Chief Prosecutor, Laura Codruţa Kövesi, will conclude her term on October 31, 2026, having been the first to hold the position since its establishment in October 2019. The upcoming plenary vote will be decisive in confirming whether Ritter will succeed Kövesi and lead the EPPO into its next phase.