Brussels, 04/11/2014 (Agence Europe) - Several members of the European Parliament have called for an independent investigation into allegations of corruption in the EULEX agency (see EUROPE 11188). Richard Howitt, the S&D Group spokesperson on foreign affairs, said: “Urgent consideration should be given to bringing in the European Union's Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) to take over the investigation of alleged bribery, complicity to evade criminal charges and threats against journalists by officials in the EU's 'EULEX' rule of law mission in Kosovo”. “A failure to do so could trigger a parliamentary inquiry into the allegations”, he told Kosovar Radio Dukagjinni.
For Ulrike Lunacek (Greens, Austria), the former rapporteur for Kosovo, the allegations “must be duly examined by an external independent body and the reasons why Maria Bamieh (who revealed the affair) was suspended must be determined and made public immediately. The EU must ensure her complete protection” (our translation). The spokesperson for the high representative pointed out that an investigation is being carried out by the legal authorities of EULEX and of Kosovo.
A meeting was held behind closed doors at the European Parliament on 3 November with senior officials in charge of the CSDP mission and from the EEAS over the allegations. Howitt backed proposals for the foreign affairs committee to submit further written questions about the investigation into the allegations, leaving open the possibility of a parliamentary inquiry if the committee “does not receive immediate and satisfactory answers”, according to the S&D press release. According to her spokesperson, the high representative is closely monitoring the matter and a meeting was organised on her first day at the EEAS. (CG)