EPPO Dismisses Slovakia Ukraine Aid Investigation: No Misuse of EU Funds Found

• The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) dismissed its investigation into the suspected misuse of European Peace Facility funds for military aid to Ukraine.
• The inquiry, opened in April 2025, found no evidence of a criminal offense related to Slovakia's ammunition supply.
• Slovakia's Ministry of Defence procured ammunition in early 2022, which was donated to Ukraine following an urgent request and reimbursed by the European Peace Facility.
• The investigation confirmed that an urgency exemption under the Public Procurement Act was legitimately used, all ammunition was delivered, and purchase prices reflected market value.
• The dismissal, approved by a multi-national panel of prosecutors, provides clarity on emergency procurement procedures for EU-funded military aid.

The comprehensive investigation confirmed that the Slovak Ministry of Defence appropriately utilized an urgency exemption under its Public Procurement Act, that all purchased ammunition reached Ukraine, and that the acquisition prices were consistent with market value at the time.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) announced on November 13, 2026, the dismissal of its investigation into the suspected misuse of funds from the European Peace Facility, which were allocated for military assistance to Ukraine. Following a comprehensive inquiry, the responsible Permanent Chamber of the EPPO concluded that there was no evidence indicating the commission of a criminal offense.

This decision effectively closes the proceedings that commenced in April 2025. The investigation specifically targeted the supply of ammunition facilitated by the Slovak Ministry of Defence, which had been provided to Ukraine under two distinct purchase agreements executed with a state-owned company in February and March 2022.

The inquiry by the European Public Prosecutor's Office into Slovakia's military aid to Ukraine funds stemmed from the procurement of ammunition in the early months of 2022. The investigation revealed that Ukraine had made an urgent request for this ammunition through diplomatic channels, prompting the Slovak Government to decide on its donation. The costs associated with this critical supply were subsequently covered by the European Peace Facility, aligning with its established purpose of supporting peace and security initiatives.

The Slovak Ministry of Defence's ammunition procurement involved contracts that utilized an exemption under Section 1(5) of the Public Procurement Act. This exemption was invoked due to the pressing urgency of the situation, specifically citing the state of war. The EPPO's thorough review confirmed the legitimacy of this procedural step.

The European Public Prosecutor's Office operates as the independent public prosecution body of the European Union, tasked with investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to justice crimes that impact the EU's financial interests. A cornerstone of its operational independence and integrity lies in its Permanent Chambers, which are instrumental in overseeing investigations and making pivotal decisions, including whether to prosecute, dismiss a case, or apply a simplified procedure.

In this particular case, the proposal to dismiss the investigation, put forth by the European Delegated Prosecutor, underwent a stringent assessment. It was subsequently approved by a panel of three European Prosecutors, each originating from a different Member State than the one supervising the initial inquiry. This multi-national oversight underscores the EPPO's commitment to impartiality and robust procedural safeguards in its handling of sensitive cases, such as the Slovakia military aid Ukraine funds investigation.

The comprehensive investigation confirmed that the Slovak Ministry of Defence appropriately utilized an urgency exemption under its Public Procurement Act, that all purchased ammunition reached Ukraine, and that the acquisition prices were consistent with market value at the time. These findings were central to the EPPO's decision to dismiss the proceedings concerning the alleged misuse of EU funds in Slovakia.

This dismissal by the EPPO provides crucial clarity regarding the application of public procurement exemptions for urgent military aid within the EU, particularly under the European Peace Facility. It sets a benchmark for future transactions involving EU funds and similar urgent circumstances, offering valuable insights for compliance officers and legal counsel involved in cross-border aid or emergency procurement regarding market value and procedural adherence.

This dismissal by the EPPO provides clarity on the application of public procurement exemptions for urgent military aid within the EU, particularly under the European Peace Facility. Compliance officers and legal counsel involved in cross-border aid or emergency procurement should note the EPPO's findings regarding market value and procedural adherence, which can serve as a benchmark for future transactions involving EU funds and similar urgent circumstances.

Source: Original reporting via EPPO press release