1.1 bn Euro in EU funding for Danube Delta projects gone astray – EU Commission

Answer given by Ms Ferreira

on behalf of the European Commission (25.8.2021)

1. After the publication of the articles raising allegations of mismanagement of EU funds, the Commission requested the managing authorities to perform management verifications on the projects mentioned in the press articles. In addition, the Romanian audit authority was asked to launch a system audit for programmes affected by the allegations. Once full clarifications are received, the Commission will evaluate the data provided and ensure in all cases that the Union financial interests are protected.
2. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) was informed of the issue and opened an investigation into a specific project covered by the Danube Delta ITI. This is currently ongoing. When the findings of an OLAF investigation identify fraud or irregularities affecting the EU budget, the Office issues recommendations to the relevant EU institutions or national authorities to ensure the recovery of funds affected by fraud. The European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) is competent to investigate and prosecute crimes affecting the EU budget, including misapplication of EU funds for purposes other than those for which they were originally granted1. The Commission is not in a position to comment on the EPPO’s operations2.
3. In the current period, the Danube Delta is the only integrated territorial investment in Romania. If any integrated territorial investment is to be continued in the future, all the relevant programmes will be subject to audits organised by the national audit authority and/or by the Commission. Selected programmes or projects may be subject to audits by the European Court of Auditors. Should any irregularities be discovered, the national authorities or the Commission could request financial corrections.

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1 In accordance with Articles 22(1) and 120 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939 of 12 October 2017 (OJL283, 31.10.2017), the EPPO is competent in respect of the criminal offences affecting the financial interests of the Union that are provided for in Directive (EU) 2017/1371 of 5 July 2017 (OJL198, 28.7.2017) and that have been committed after the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939.

2 In accordance with Article 6 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1939, the EPPO is an entirely independent EU body.

© European Union, 2021 – EP

Source: Answer to a written question – EUR 1.1 billion in EU funding for Danube Delta projects gone astray – E-002595/2021(ASW)