EP backs Andrés Ritter as the next European Chief Prosecutor
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The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee has backed the appointment of Andrés Ritter as the next European Chief Prosecutor.
MEPs in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs voted on Monday to endorse Ritter’s nomination as head of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. He secured 52 votes in favour, with 10 against and six abstentions.
Ritter emerged as Parliament’s preferred candidate after a hearing held on 3 December 2025, during which four shortlisted contenders took part in a question and answer session with MEPs.
Currently serving as Deputy European Chief Prosecutor since November 2020, Ritter previously held several senior positions within Germany’s prosecution service.
The European Chief Prosecutor is appointed by common agreement between Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Both institutions have indicated their preliminary support for Ritter’s candidacy.
The European Parliament is expected to hold a plenary vote on the appointment in March 2026.
The current office holder, Laura Codruța Kövesi, was appointed in October 2019 as the first Chief Prosecutor of the EPPO. Her seven year term is due to end on 31 October 2026.
