The European Public Prosecutor, Laura Kövesi, has confirmed that her office is investigating the mysterious cargo involved in the Tempi train disaster, following revelations of potentially illegal cross-border movement of undeclared hazardous materials. Speaking before the European Parliament’s LIBE Committee, Kövesi revealed: “We certainly had information about the movement of this liquid. We are investigating it, and we will assess the possibilities available to us.”
Her statement came in response to a question by Left MEP Kostas Arvanitis, who cited earlier findings—including the recent EODASAM report, issued two years after the incident—which unanimously acknowledged the presence of undetermined flammable substances aboard the freight train.
“This cargo was never declared in official documentation,” Arvanitis noted, “which points to strong evidence of illegal cross-border transport—possibly involving multiple countries and avoiding the required duties. This falls squarely within the jurisdiction of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Will you pursue this?”
Kövesi confirmed that an investigation is already underway and reiterated:
“We had information on the movement of this liquid. We are assessing our legal options.”
Convention 717 Case and Political Immunity
In parallel, Arvanitis questioned why the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) did not request the lifting of parliamentary immunity for former Ministers Kostas Karamanlis and Christos Spirtzis, despite their possible connection to the use of EU funds under Convention 717.
“These are not witnesses but suspects. The word most commonly used in Greece today is ‘cover-up’. We are counting on your help,” Arvanitis told Kövesi.
Kövesi explained that although EPPO had charged 23 individuals, including 18 public officials, in connection with the mismanagement of EU funds for railway signaling and remote control systems prior to the Tempi crash, her office lacks the legal authority to investigate sitting or former ministers due to Greek constitutional protections.
“We have informed the European Commission because Greek law conflicts with European legislation and limits EPPO’s capacity. If immunity is not lifted, we cannot proceed. We simply do not have the authority to request such waivers ourselves,” she said.
Full Statement from Laura Kövesi:
“Regarding Tempi in Greece, I would like to clarify: in December 2023, we indicted 23 suspects, including 18 public officials, for crimes related to the execution of contracts for the rehabilitation of the remote control and signalling system on the Greek railway network.
Our investigation began before the accident, so to be clear—we are not investigating the accident itself, but how EU funds were used.
In one case, we found indications of potential involvement by members of the Greek Parliament. However, under the Greek Constitution, we are obliged to refer such matters to the Hellenic Parliament for further action.
We have alerted the European Commission because this constitutional provision obstructs the EPPO’s mandate and violates European law.
Regarding requests for hearings—if immunity is not lifted, we are powerless. We cannot summon someone as a witness or suspect without that waiver. We received and reviewed letters from legal representatives, but we have no authority in such cases unless immunity is removed.
That said, I can assure you that we are treating this case with the seriousness it deserves. We had information on the movement of this liquid, and we are actively exploring all available legal avenues.”
