91999E1932

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1932/99

by Antonio Tajani (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(14 October 1999)

Subject: Allegations in the Mitrokhin papers about an Italian spy network working for the Soviet Union's secret services

The Mitrokhin papers forwarded by the British Government have revealed that a dense spy network used to operate in Italy employed by the secret services of a foreign State hostile to Italy and free Europe. It used to monitor and put pressure on the institutions of the Italian State and even reached the highest political and government levels.

What steps will the President of the Commission, Romano Prodi, take to shed light on this affair as swiftly as possible?

Will Mr Prodi use his influence with the Italian Government to ensure that all the information needed to ascertain the truth is made known and, if necessary, call on the governments of other Member States to supply any documentation connected with the revelations contained in the Mitrokhin papers?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 1999)

The Commission feels that the question raised by the Honourable Member is primarily a matter for the Member State concerned, which is responsible for justice on its territory. Under Title IV of the EC Treaty, measures may be taken to facilitate cooperation in criminal matters. Work is currently under way on finalising a Convention on mutual assistance between the Member States in criminal matters(1). When the Convention enters into force, it should simplify and speed up cooperation, irrespective of the crimes or infringements being prosecuted. For its part, the Commission has no plans to take any initiative in this context relating specifically to counter-espionage.

(1) OJ C 251, 2.9.1999.