Source: European Parliament
1. The Commission received the case of Mr Hololei further to an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). This investigation is now completed. OLAF has not found evidence of criminal conduct. It did gather elements indicating a breach of professional obligations. The Commission received a recommendation from OLAF for a follow-up under the EU Staff Regulations (SR). The competent services are following up[1].
2. The Commission works under the assumption that the co-legislators will reach an agreement in 2025 on the proposed Directive on combatting corruption, which aims to equip national authorities with enhanced tools to fight and prevent corruption. The Commission will assist Member States with its implementation. EU officials and agents are subject to the SR adopted by the European Parliament and Council, which provide for a comprehensive legal framework prohibiting and sanctioning all forms of unethical behavior, including but not limited to those outlined in the draft Directive. The directive on combatting corruption will be addressed to all Member States hosting EU institutions.
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.
- [1] During any disciplinary procedure, the persons concerned enjoy the presumption of innocence.