Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission has dealt with the information it received from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) in full compliance with the applicable procedures. Further to its investigation, OLAF transmitted the case to the Commission, with the recommendation to open the disciplinary procedure. A disciplinary penalty can only be imposed after the entire disciplinary procedure has been completed. Therefore, an instant removal of an official from the post is not legally possible. During the procedure, the persons concerned enjoy, in light of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, the presumption of innocence.
2. OLAF has not found evidence of criminal conduct. It did gather elements indicating a breach of professional obligations. The Commission is not aware of any evidence other than the one reported by OLAF.
3. The EU-Qatar air transport agreement was negotiated at the request of Member States and EU stakeholders. The negotiations were conducted in a fully transparent manner with the close involvement of Member States representatives and EU stakeholders. The outcome of the negotiations was endorsed unanimously by all Member States that considered it fully responded to the negotiating directives adopted by the Council. The agreement was then signed by all Member States and the EU. The Commission considers that potential breaches of professional obligations by the then Director-General should not result in a suspension of the application of the agreement.