In a resolution adopted on Thursday 13 December (434 votes in favour, 64 against and 47 abstentions), MEPs call on the European Commission to publish all documents relating to the possible conflict of interest involving Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš and to act to remedy the situation (see EUROPE 12151).
The Parliament calls for the suspension of all EU funding to the Agrofert group until the investigation is completed.
The joint resolution was tabled by the EPP, ECR and Greens/EFA groups. The European Parliament rejected an amendment by the ALDE group, to which the Czech leader belongs, stressing that the latter is committed to full compliance with its obligations.
By adopting an S&D amendment, the Parliament notes that, in accordance with the opinion of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) on the ‘Stork Nest’ case, the Czech authorities have withdrawn the project with regard to the final payment request of the Central Bohemia Regional Operational Programme, and that no EU funds have been paid under it.
Mr Babiš is the beneficial owner of Agrofert, which controls the Agrofert group. However, the companies in this group received significant amounts of money from the European Structural and Investment Funds over the period 2014-2020, ranging from €42 million in 2013 to €82 million in 2017. Mr Babiš firmly refuted the accusations against him, arguing that he no longer manages and controls Agrofert, having left these responsibilities to an independent fund. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)