Brussels, 26/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 26 October, the European Parliament sent a letter to the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, formally asking him to provide additional and comprehensive information on all the circumstances of John Dalli's resignation from his post as health commissioner further to accusations of influence peddling (see EUROPE 10718). It is now up to Barroso to choose how additional information should be provided as the Parliament's letter does not state the procedure to be followed, circles close to Martin Schulz said. According to Michèle Rivasi (Greens/EFA, France), Barroso will speak before the House during the November plenary session.
The Parliament also requires “adequate access” to the OLAF (Anti-Fraud Office) final report, on the basis of which Barroso offered Dalli the possibility of resignation. Refuting all complicity, the Commission underlined on Friday that only OLAF was able to decide whether to publish its report.
Tonio Borg to be heard on Tuesday 13 November. The EP does not question the procedure leading to Borg's appointment to the post left vacant. The hearing of the current Maltese minister for foreign affairs by the relevant committee will be held on 13 November. A plenary vote is scheduled for November. (MB/transl.jl)