European Ombudsman launches health commissioner resignation probe

The European Ombudsman on Wednesday launched an investigation into the resignation in October of John Dalli as European commissioner for health and consumer affairs, according to a story by Dave Keating for the European Voice.

Dalli, who had had overall responsibility for the drafting of proposed revisions to the Tobacco Products Division that were eventually made public in December by his successor, resigned in October in circumstances that were examined by OLAF, the European Anti-fraud Office. Dalli strenuously denies any wrongdoing.

The Ombudsman has asked the European Commission to hand over all files relating to Dalli’s departure.

The investigation follows a complaint made earlier this year (see February 4 story: Ombudsman asked to rule on release of ‘Dalligate’ documents) by the transparency campaign group, Corporate Europe Observatory, which accused the Commission of selectively releasing documents relating to the case and failing to fulfil its obligations under EU transparency laws.

Members of the European Parliament, too, have complained that their requests for more information about the resignation have either gone unanswered or have not been answered to their satisfaction.

The Commission has three months to respond to the Ombudsman’s request.