(2004/C 33 E/232)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2149/03

by Astrid Lulling (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(24 June 2003)

Subject:   Eurostat

The debates conducted and the statements made concerning Eurostat in recent months have highlighted a number of examples of incorrect practice: criminal proceedings are opened against individuals without their knowledge and without them first being heard by the judicial authorities, the press prints serious accusations which seem to go well beyond the information available, and the staff of Eurostat see their professional competence called into question and their work disrupted by stringent checks which are in some cases out of all proportion to the alleged actions which prompted them.

What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that the rights of the persons involved are properly respected in the proceedings now under way?

What measures does it intend to take if departments are shown to have breached the rules on the protection of those rights, despite their obligation to observe them?

Does it take the view that the reporting of the case has blown the accusations up out of all proportion to the facts?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(3 September 2003)

The intense media interest in the Eurostat investigations even before their completion does not help to provide an objective picture of the situation, particularly as some aspects have been taken out of context. To this extent, certain press articles may, regrettably, have compromised full compliance with the principle of the presumption of innocence.

At the same time, the investigations currently under way within Eurostat represent a response both to Parliament's request in the context of the follow-up to the 2001 discharge procedure and to the Commission's desire to clarify the situation completely and establish that the problems identified have been definitely addressed and that, if necessary, further action can be taken. This is not in any way to question the competence of Eurostat staff. Moreover, the rules governing investigations offer all officials or staff means of redress pursuant to the provisions of Article 90 of the Staff Regulations.

Lastly, with regard to recent developments relating to the situation in Eurostat and the action this calls for, the Commission would refer the Honourable Member to the series of measures adopted at its meetings on 9 and 23 July 2003.