Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence – EPPO: A New Frontier in Integration

ongoing

"The creation of European Public Prosecutor’s Office (“EPPO”) is the result of an extensive exercise aimed at strengthening protection of financial interests in the EU and is a paradigm shift in domain of freedom, security, and justice. As the EPPO commences its operations, it is necessary for all stakeholders to understand its functioning, impact and the potential of the new “European criminal process”. In particular, it is quintessential to understand the mechanisms of cooperation between the EPPO and the other EU institutions and agencies on the one hand, and the EPPO and other member and non-member States, on the other hand. In view of the landmark changes introduced as a result of the creation of the EPPO, EPPONFI seeks to establish innovative and modern teaching, with research and public engagement on the protection of financial interests in the EU in light of the activities of the EPPO. EPPONFI will focus on the role of the EPPO for the protection of the EU’s financial interests as well as on its effects in the domains of cooperation between law enforcement and the judiciary. Consequently, it seeks to foster integration in the areas of freedom, security, and justice. Presently, Prof. Ubertazzi at UNIMIB is coordinating the ongoing Jean Monnet Module ""EPPO and EU Law: a Step Forward in Integration” (STEPPO). With its interdisciplinary and technological approach, this Module is a successful experience. EPPONFI wants to fully exploit its potential. For example, if we obtained new fundings, UNIMIB could further develop its technological tools (i.e. the development of a VR Pilot Case 2 in collaboration with the MiBTec Lab, Psychology Department, UNIMIB) and undertake economic analysis to closely assess the impact of frauds that are detrimental to the EU budget (in collaboration with the Department of Economics, Quantitative Methods and Strategic Business, UNIMIB)."