Eva Joly entered the French judiciary at age 38 after transitioning from a secretarial role through night school legal studies. Her career as an investigating judge at the High Court of Paris defined her reputation as a persistent anti-corruption campaigner, notably through her prosecution of systemic financial crimes within major oil corporations and high-stakes banking entities.
Judicial career and anti-corruption work
Joining the High Court of Paris in 1990, Joly focused on complex financial affairs. Her investigation into the oil company Elf Aquitaine uncovered widespread fraud and resulted in the convictions of numerous individuals. Throughout this period, she challenged public figures such as Bernard Tapie and investigated Crédit Lyonnais. Her commitment to anti-corruption advocacy earned her the Integrity Award from Transparency International in 2001. Following her judicial service, she acted as a special advisor to the Norwegian Minister of Justice, Odd Einar Dørum, from 2002 to 2005 to strengthen anti-corruption policies and cross-sector cooperation.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International advisory roles
Joly extended her focus on financial crimes beyond France and Norway. In 2009, the Icelandic government appointed her as a special advisor to investigate the financial circumstances surrounding the nation’s 2008–2011 economic crisis. During her tenure, she publicly critiqued the state for providing insufficient resources for the probe and advocated for the resignation of the Attorney General due to potential conflicts of interest. Her investigative background also led to professional collaborations with the Open Society Justice Initiative and Global Financial Integrity.
Legislative service and political activity
Elected to the European Parliament in 2009, Joly served two consecutive terms until 2019. Her work in Brussels and Strasbourg included chairing the Committee on Development and participating in the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs. She held leadership roles in special parliamentary inquiries concerning the Luxleaks and Panama Papers scandals. In 2012, she represented Europe Écologie–The Greens as their presidential candidate, campaigning on a platform to phase out nuclear energy in France and implement higher tax brackets for top earners.
Fast facts
- Born: 5 December 1943, Grünerløkka, Norway
- Citizenship: Norway and France
- Education: French National School for the Judiciary
- European Parliament terms: 2009–2019
- Presidential candidacy: 2012 election
- European of the Year (Norway): 2009
- Sophie Prize recipient: 2012
- Worked in: Brussels and Strasbourg
Questions readers ask
What was Eva Joly's role in the Elf Aquitaine investigation?
She served as the investigating judge who uncovered fraud within the company, leading to the conviction of multiple individuals.
Did Joly serve in the European Parliament?
Yes, she was a member from 2009 to 2019, where she focused on financial policy and transparency investigations.
