Misuse of EU money
28.11.2019
Question for written answer E-004108/2019
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jaak Madison (ID)
In 2016, the Commission allocated EUR 267 500 in funding from the Horizon 2020 programme to the Ragnar Nurkse Department of Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) as part of the international OpenGovIntelligence project. A whistle-blower subsequently alleged that the EU funds allocated to the research project were misused and misappropriated [1] . Initial reports suggest that the working hours of researchers were inflated and that funds were paid to researchers who were not even linked to the research project. Furthermore, the department’s director, Erkki Karro, has admitted that the idea behind the scheme was to maximise the department’s income. An internal investigation by Taltech found no irregularities.
- 1.Is the Commission of the opinion that Taltech’s internal investigation into fraud is sufficient or will it launch an investigation into the alleged fraud and inform the European Anti-Fraud Office of its findings? When will the investigation be launched?
- 2.If its investigation proves that the employees of Taltech committed fraud, what steps will the Commission take to penalise the university?
- 3.Which steps will the Commission take to protect whistle-blowers and improve transparency and accountability in relation to the appropriation of EU funding within universities?
- [1] https://www.postimees.ee/6758873/ttu-hamar-saladus-mainekas-instituut-pettis-susteemselt-valja-eurotoetuseid.