Brussels, 14/02/2011 (Agence Europe) - New Director General of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) Giovanni Kessler took office on Monday 14 February for a term of five years.
“As Europe is struggling with budget cuts and austerity packages, OLAF's mission to fight fraud and protect the EU's financial interests is more important than ever. I will therefore strive to manage OLAF efficiently while safeguarding its operational independence. I also intend to work closely with the European Commission, Parliament and member states and play an active part in the reform process outlined in the Lisbon Treaty”, Kessler said. He is in charge of a Directorate-General which is made up of four Directorates with some 500 staff, and a budget of around €50 million. 54-year-old Kessler has held the post of high commissioner in combating counterfeiting in Italy. Before arriving at OLAF, he was president of the legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Trento and president of the Conference of European Regional Legislative Assemblies (CALRE). (L.C./transl.rt)