MEPs' fact-finding mission to Czech Republic on conflicts of interest - quote from Daniel Freund MEP

Today, a European Parliament fact-finding mission on conflicts of interest in the Czech Republic with Members of the Budgetary Control Committee has just ended. Daniel Freund MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the Budgetary Control Committee who was part of the fact-finding mission on conflicts of interest in the Czech Republic, comments:

“It is disappointing that Prime Minister Babiš and his agriculture minister refused to answer questions on their alleged conflicts of interest from MEPs. Our suspicion of the existence of a conflict of interest has been further substantiated during this mission." 

"If the Commission audit confirms a conflict of interest at the highest level of government of a member state, then this cannot be tolerated. EU countries must not allow such a conflict at the European Council negotiation table, especially when it comes to distributing EU funds that may personally benefit an individual sitting round that table."

"What citizens, NGOs, journalists and farmers have told us, points to a systemic failure to properly allocate EU funds under existing rules. We need an anti-Oligarch rule for EU funds. European money must be for the benefit of citizens, not a few Oligarchs. The EU must defend itself against the looting of its funds by oligarchs and corrupt governments."