Meeting with the European Public Prosecutor Laura Kovesi had at the offices of AADE, the Minister of National Economy and Finance Kyriakos Pierrakakisthe Deputy Minister George Kotsiras and the Commander of the Independent Public Revenue Authority George Pitsilis. The meeting also participated in Head of the Executive Office of the European Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) Milan Yaron and the Greek European Prosecutor, Nikolaos Paschalis.
The discussion focused on further strengthening Greece and European Public Prosecutor’s Office to more effectively combat customs and tax fraud. The Minister and Governor of AADE presented to the European General Public Prosecutor the Integrated Modernization and Strengthening Program of Greek Customs, which is implemented under the name Customs Nextgen.
By 2029 the following are provided:
• Integration of SDOE in AADE
Within October 2025, the SDOE Directorate General will be fully incorporated into AADE.
• Approved Economic Bodies (AEO)
The approach of reliable economic operators for the granting of AEO regime and additional simplifications is underway.
• Customs Document Control Center
Creation of a customs audit center in Thessaloniki for the audit of customs documents, integrating 40 customs procedures throughout the country until June 2026.
• Hellenic Digital Customs Borders
In 2026, the development of an integrated digital surveillance system for trucks, containers and vehicles entering or leaving the country.
• Container – Piraeus targeting center
Creation by September 2026 specialized hub of suspects in the port of Piraeus, in collaboration with the British HMRC and UK Border Force.
• UCC & Digitization Reform (2026–2029)
Integrated reform and overall upgrading of the National Customs Information System, with the aim of complete digitization of customs procedures, in accordance with the Union Customs Code (UCC).

Program funding:

• EUR 80 million have already been allocated from Recovery and Resilience Fund (TAA) For the digital truck monitoring work and containers at the Border Customs Stations.
• In the next four years an additional EUR 203 million will be invested to enhance operational capacity.
Analytical Investment Distribution (until 2027):
• EUR 125 million to support customs with about 1,100 employees, in addition to existing staff, with the priority of Piraeus Port and the Logistics Services of Attica.
• EUR 40 million for the supply of 8 X-ray systems for load controls.
• EUR 20 million for the supply of 2 X-ray systems for freight trains.
• EUR 18 million for the development of a new Customs Information System.
Overall, more than € 280 million will be allocated to fund Customs Nextgen.
During the discussion, the following issues were also raised:
• Detect and report Customs and Tax fraud cases (VAT), using advanced risk analysis tools and cross -border data exchange.
• Provision of specialized financial researchers and customs officials to support the European Public Prosecutor’s Office in Greece.
• Removal of national experts in the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, with the aim of enhancing the interoperability of national systems with EU processes.
• European Public Prosecutor’s Office access to the Eurofisk Information Network, which is a key tool for the rapid exchange of information to prevent and combat VAT fraud.
• Salary assimilation of executives for NEDPAS (Secretaries and Financial Researchers) serving in the Athens Office, with the remuneration of corresponding audit services of the national authorities, in recognition of the increased workload and their critical contribution to the success of the investigations.

The meeting confirmed the excellent cooperation between Greece and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, while expressing the will to further deepen the joint action, for the benefit of the transparency and protection of the Greek and European budget.