Brussels, 21/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - In order to "protect the interests of the Institution" and its staff, the European Commission on Wednesday took a series of measures in connection with allegations of fraud within Eurostat (EUROPE of 20 May 2003, p.11). Firstly, it accepted the requests by Eurostat Director-General Yves Franchet and Director Daniel Byk to be transferred to new posts for the duration of the enquiry being carried out by the anti-fraud office (OLAF). The aim of this decision is to give the two high-ranking officials proper facility to be heard by OLAF, and to defend themselves against the allegations of embezzlement. This is by no means a disciplinary measure, underlines the Commission. OLAF intends to report back on the results of its investigations by the end of June.
As of this day, Mr Franchet and Mr Byk are temporarily appointed to Advisor functions in the Directorate-General for Administration. To ensure proper continuity in the management of Eurostat, the Commission has decided to appoint Michel Vanden Abeele (presently Director-General for Translation) to the post previously occupied by Mr Franchet. The Commission has taken three further measures: 1) it will defend the reputation and the right of defence of the persons involved, due to the nature of public coverage; 2) DG Budget has been asked to analyse the audit reports drafted by Eurostat with respect to the provisions of the Financial Regulation in the cases under investigation by OLAF; 3) the Commission has decided to introduce its own complaint in the investigation opened the Paris public prosecutor, in order to protect the civil and financial interests of the institution (EUROPE of 17 May 2003, p.12).
The Commission stresses the right of all individuals to the presumption of innocence, and reiterates that the information at its disposal at this stage does not permit any conclusions to be drawn regarding the personal responsibility of any specific official. The Commission, which states its respect for OLAF's prerogatives, points out that it will therefore refrain from any action which could undermine the outcome of the investigations.