92000E0196

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0196/00

by Mario Mantovani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(27 January 2000)

Subject: Irregularities and fraud at the Joint Research Centre at Ispra

A number of alarming reports of irregularities and fraud at the Joint Research Centre at Ispra have recently appeared in the Italian press, in particular in the province of Varese. The reports claim that the Centre has misused Community funds. The JRC is said to have shown a lack of professionalism by awarding contracts on the basis of recommendations and to tenderers who fail to meet the tender requirements. The same newspapers also report that the '1998 Report on combating fraud' mentions the JRC and that the Centre is still under investigation.

What reports have been produced on the aspects of the investigation which are considered closed? Above all, what steps have been taken to deal with those responsible for fraud affecting the EU budget?

What has emerged from the on-going aspects of the investigation and what action has been or will be taken?

Answer given by Ms Schreyer on behalf of the Commission

(24 February 2000)

The Commission would point out that the 1998 annual report Protecting the Community's financial interests and the fight against fraud, which contains only a selection of the cases investigated, does not refer to the case mentioned by the Honourable Member(1).

The case in question relates to presumed irregularities or fraud in the management of public contracts at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, notably with regard to the provision of services. The events took place between 1994 and 1996.

Administrative inquiries carried out by the Commission concluded that irregularities had been committed in the award of contracts. A decision was taken to take disciplinary action in respect of four members of staff. The files have been sent to the European Anti-fraud Office (OLAF) for examination.

(1) COM(1999) 590 final.