OLAF investigates EU subsidy of nearly 50,000 euros for playground in village with 15 residents
The European anti-fraud office is reviewing an EU-funded subsidy for a children's playground in Havranec. The village has only fifteen residents.
OLAF examines EU-funded subsidy for playground in fifteen-resident village of Havranec
The European anti-fraud office (OLAF) is investigating information concerning the financing of a children's playground in the Slovak village of Havranec, according to Korzár. The office's press department clarified in a response on Tuesday that the review of the case does not at this stage constitute the opening of a formal investigation.
"We can confirm that we are currently looking into this matter. At this stage, we cannot provide further information," OLAF stated. The office also explained that it routinely analyses all received information that could be subject to investigation, and only after this preliminary assessment decides on whether to open an investigation. OLAF emphasised that it respects the presumption of innocence and the right of affected persons to a defence.
The case came to the attention of European institutions after Czech MEP Tomáš Zdechovský, less than two weeks ago, requested that the European Commission (EC), OLAF and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) examine the subsidy. According to published reports, the Agricultural Payments Agency (PPA) provided an EU subsidy of nearly 50,000 euros for the playground. Zdechovský questioned the purpose, adequacy and cost-effectiveness of the project, noting that the village has approximately fifteen residents.
The European Commission stated that the common agricultural policy (CAP) is implemented under shared management, and therefore it is not directly involved in verifying the legality of individual transactions. "Under shared management of CAP funds, it is the responsibility of member states to establish systems and procedures that ensure effective protection of the Union's financial interests," the EC added. To ensure the proper functioning of these systems, the Commission carries out audits in member states based on risk assessment.
EPPO announced that it does not confirm or comment on ongoing investigations in order not to jeopardise potential proceedings and their outcome.
The mayor of Havranec village, Milan Ščerba (Hlas), stated that the village obtained the subsidy lawfully after meeting the conditions of the relevant call for proposals on the basis of a properly submitted application. According to him, the playground is intended to serve the development of tourism and infrastructure in the region and is intended for visitors to the village, not only its residents. The opening of the playground is planned for January of next year.
Source: Korzár