In the European Parliament, there were significant cases of fraud, theft, and mobbing last year, a report for the budget control committee shows, as reported by “Bild” (Monday edition).
Seven members of parliament and six of their staff are being investigated for a possible multi-million euro fraud. They allegedly misappropriated funds for the employment of assistants in the past year.
In another case, funds for party financing were allegedly misused. The total potential fraud amount is 2.9 million euros, with only 49,000 euros having been repaid so far.
Additionally, two cases are being investigated regarding the misuse of foreign allowances and the reimbursement of health expenses, with a potential damage of 152,000 euros.
According to the general secretariat, 75 thefts were reported in the European Parliament’s buildings in the past year, with stolen items valued at 13,138 euros.
In 88 cases, employees turned to the European Parliament’s trustpeople last year due to psychological or sexual harassment – a 33-case increase from 2022. Of these, 38 employees complained about bullying, 12 about sexual harassment, and 38 about other work conflicts. Sanctions have been imposed on four employees of the European Parliament for the sexual harassment.