European Prosecutor Suspends Bulgarian Colleague Amid Misconduct Probe

The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has temporarily suspended Teodora Georgieva, its Bulgarian prosecutor, following an investigation into potential misconduct. The suspension, announced in March 2025, marks the first internal investigation into allegations of misconduct within the EPPO’s four years of operation.

Investigation Details

The EPPO launched an administrative inquiry into Georgieva’s conduct after Bulgarian media reported on alleged links between her and Petyo Petrov – Evroto, a wanted former investigator. The reported meeting took place at the “Eight Dwarfs” restaurant during the selection process for the Bulgarian candidate for European Prosecutor, according to a letter from European Chief Prosecutor Laura Kövesi to the Bulgarian Judges Association (BNR News).

Reasons for Suspension

Kövesi stated the suspension was enacted as “the strongest measure available against any risk or perception of compromised integrity of investigations.” The EPPO emphasized the importance of its independence, which is essential to its function and reputation, particularly when investigating serious fraud within the European Union (Politico).

Allegations and Claims

Georgieva has claimed she was pressured during a campaign related to a high-profile investigation into the Chiren gas storage facility expansion project. She accused Delyan Peevski, a member of Bulgarian parliament, of threatening to halt her indictment of a former energy minister involved in the project (Politico). Following a fire at her family home, which is being investigated as potential arson, the EPPO provided Georgieva with additional protection.

Background on Teodora Georgieva

Prior to her role as a European Prosecutor, Teodora Georgieva served as an Administrative Judge in the Sofia City Administrative Court’s ranking court of appeal. She previously worked as a prosecutor in Sofia’s Regional and District Prosecution Office and holds a PhD in administrative law and judicial review from the Bulgarian Academy of Science (EPPO). She was confirmed as a European Prosecutor from the Republic of Bulgaria in July 2020 (EPPO).

Current Status

Teodora Georgieva remains suspended from office pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings initiated by Laura Kövesi (BNR News).