Brussels, 08/09/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Sunday 7 September, the European Commission announced that it was verifying allegations made in a British newspaper that a senior EU official, a director at DG Trade, had provided sensitive information to journalists who were passing themselves off as representatives from a pressure group.
The Sunday Times affirmed the same day that it had a recording of an assistant to the European Commissioner for trade, Peter Mandelson, revealing confidential information to journalists who had proposed money to him from a Chinese businessman who wanted this kind of information. The newspaper affirmed that the official had looked at how he might obtain this money or work with the businessman but who ultimately gave up on the idea. The Sunday Times added that the attitude displayed by the official breached EU rules demanding that its staff, “refrain from revealing confidential information they have obtained while performing their duties”. This official is alleged to have revealed confidential information, particularly about factors regarding decisions Mr Mandelson was preparing to make on anti-dumping policy involving China.
The Commission wants to know more about the case and has therefore announced the opening of an investigation in an attempt to establish the facts and draw a conclusion. The Commission explained that the official involved is on leave but this did not mean he could not be questioned. The Commission has asked the Sunday Times to provide it with all recordings or other information related to the case, revealed by the newspaper after a six month investigation.
A Commission press release explained that the Commission has a zero tolerance policy towards unethical or illegal behaviour. Nevertheless, it did point out the obligation of respecting the presumption of innocence of persons under investigation or subject to allegations in the Sunday Times article.
The European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) subsequently decided on Monday afternoon (8 September) that it was opening its own investigation into the press allegations, according to which a senior official at the Commission provided confidential information to journalists who were posing as lobbyists. Olaf was also keen to point out the necessity of respecting the presumption of innocence of those subject to investigation or allegations in ongoing enquiries. (L.C./trans/rob)