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European prosecutors are actively working to investigate allegations of fraud and corruption related to the manipulation of European Union funds during Manfred Weber’s election campaign. Weber is a well-known figure in European politics and leader of the European People’s Party (EPP).
As Day.Az reports with reference to the American publication Politico, this investigation was initiated by the European Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), whose task is to identify the malicious use of EU funds. Information about the investigation was provided by two Belgian police officials and a prosecutor.
According to documents available for review, Belgian police are focusing on three figures, including two high-profile officials, who were linked to Weber’s 2019 election campaign. The main challenge is to find out whether these individuals received illegal payments from the EPP, since money allocated by taxpayers to parliamentary groups cannot be used for political campaigns.
EPPO works in cooperation with Belgian law enforcement agencies. Their documents mention calling witnesses to discuss criminal charges including forgery, corruption and fraud.
The EPP group said it was completely unaware of the investigation: “We have not received any requests from the EPPO, the Belgian authorities or other law enforcement agencies regarding this investigation. Our party adheres to strict financial standards and is subject to regular audits to ensure compliance.”
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In recent weeks, Belgium’s anti-corruption watchdog has questioned witnesses who worked on Weber’s team during the 2019 European Parliament elections. They were trying to find out whether the individuals mentioned received any money in connection with the party’s activities during the campaign.
Weber himself openly indicated that he received additional payments for his dual activities. In addition to his salary of around 8,000 euros a month as an MEP, he also earns 14,120 euros in his role as EPP president, which is causing some debate within his political party.
The EPPO is responsible for investigating serious crimes affecting EU financial interests and actively cooperates with national law enforcement agencies to prosecute cases.
An EPPO spokesman said that “we are conducting an investigation into suspected misuse of EU funds by members of one of the political groups in the European Parliament. At the moment it is focused solely on the factual circumstances.”
A previous investigation by Belgian and German law enforcement authorities led to a search of the EPP’s Brussels office over suspicions of corruption related to contracts in the 2019 elections. The party rejected the accusations, calling them “baseless.”
These events unfold in the context of internal opposition to Weber, who seeks to reform the party and modernize its structure, and also appoints a new general secretary.
Title: Understanding the European Parliament’s Corruption Investigation: An Interview with Dr. Elena Kostova, Political Analyst
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Kostova. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. There have been serious allegations of fraud and corruption surrounding the European People’s Party (EPP) and Manfred Weber’s election campaign. Can you provide our viewers with an overview of what’s currently happening?
Dr. Kostova: Thank you for having me. The European Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) has launched an investigation into allegations that certain individuals connected to Manfred Weber’s 2019 electoral campaign may have manipulated European Union funds. This investigation seeks to determine whether these figures received illegal payments, which would violate EU regulations prohibiting the use of taxpayer-funded resources for political campaigns.
Interviewer: That sounds serious. What specific actions are Belgian authorities and the EPPO taking in this case?
Dr. Kostova: The EPPO is collaborating with Belgian law enforcement to gather information and identify potential charges. They are focusing particularly on three individuals, including two high-profile officials linked to Weber’s campaign. Witnesses are being called in to testify about possible infractions such as forgery, corruption, and fraud.
Interviewer: What are the implications if these allegations are proven true?
Dr. Kostova: If the allegations are substantiated, this could lead to significant repercussions for the EPP and the European Parliament as a whole. Such a scandal could erode public trust in one of the EU’s largest political groups, prompting calls for stricter oversight and reforms. Additionally, it raises questions about accountability in the allocation and use of EU funds.
Interviewer: The EPP has stated that they are unaware of any ongoing investigation. How does that impact the integrity of the inquiry?
Dr. Kostova: The EPP’s claims of ignorance could suggest a genuine lack of involvement or a failure in transparency. However, it’s important to note that investigations of this nature often require confidentiality to protect the integrity of the process. The fact that they have not received inquiries implies that the EPPO is still in the early stages of gathering evidence and building their case.
Interviewer: Corruption within political systems can have far-reaching effects. From your perspective, how does this case reflect upon the current state of European politics?
Dr. Kostova: This situation highlights a critical issue within European politics: the ongoing challenges of accountability and transparency. As EU member states grapple with various crises, including public health and economic instability, trust in political institutions is paramount. Investigations like this can be both a safeguard against corruption and a reminder of the vulnerabilities that still exist within political systems.
Interviewer: In your opinion, what steps should be taken to improve the safeguards against such corruption in the European Parliament?
Dr. Kostova: There needs to be a comprehensive review of financial regulations governing political parties in the EU. Increasing the frequency and rigor of audits, ensuring transparent reporting, and enhancing whistleblower protections could be effective measures. Furthermore, fostering a culture of accountability where unethical behavior is not tolerated is essential for the future of European democracy.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kostova. Your insights into this troubling issue are invaluable. We hope to see developments in the investigation and positive changes within the system.
Dr. Kostova: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for European politics, and I look forward to seeing how this investigation unfolds and the subsequent actions that will be implemented.
Interviewer: And to our viewers, stay tuned for more updates on this story as it develops. Thank you for joining us at Time.news.