Commission candidate vows to make Olaf 'more effective'

Commissioner-designate Algirdas Šemeta has praised the "great work" done by Olaf, the EU anti-fraud agency.

Speaking at a hearing before MEPs, the Lithuanian defended the agency against criticism that it has been weak on tackling serious fraud and corruption in the EU.

But he told members that, if approved as commissioner, he would seek to ensure the agency works even more "effectively and efficiently."

During his three-hour session, Šemeta, the candidate for the taxation and customs union, audit and anti-fraud portfolio, fielded numerous questions from deputies on fraud and corruption issues.

German member Jorgo Chatzimarkakis was however critical, saying Šemeta had failed to provide a "clear idea" of his position on this.

In particular, the ALDE member wanted to know what the commissioner-designate would do to tackle financial wrongdoing among NGOs.

The MEP said NGOs were particularly influential in the areas of consumer policy and environmental protection but that there was a "lack of transparency" in the way EU funds are spent by some NGOs.

In response, Šemeta agreed it was a "serious issue" but that the commission was addressing the problem by publishing online beneficiaries of EU funding, including NGOs.

"If approved, I will take this initiative forward by, for example, trying to make these sites more user-friendly and also include information about NGO beneficiaries in member states."

He added, "This is public money and the public has a right to know how it is being spent.

"If there are deficiencies in the system I will be ready to find a solution."

However, he refused to be drawn when asked whether he would be willing to suspend money to member states where EU funds were found to have been misspent.

He also said he supports the establishment of a European Public Prosecutor, seen by some as controversial as it may impinge on member states' right to determine their own judicial affairs, and "additional measures" to tackle VAT fraud.

Šemeta, who was generally given a good reception by committee members, must now wait to the end of the month before he knows if he will be able to serve in the next José Manuel Barroso commission.

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