Luxembourg, 09/09/2005 (Agence Europe) - In an order by its president, dating 2 June 2005, the Court of Justice has agreed to a request by the Republic of France to appear alongside the former European Commissioner Edith Cresson, in the trial of the European Commission is bringing against her for nepotism (see EUROPE 8751).
France has decided to support Edith Cresson -who is defending herself against the accusations brought against her -after the end of the written procedure of this trial. France may present its comments during the oral procedure, in the form of the public hearing on this case, to be held on an as yet undecided date.
"The Cresson Affair" was one of the contributory factors to the collective resignation of the Commission headed by Jacques Santer of Luxembourg in early 1999.