TIRANA, July 20 – The European Commission has temporarily suspended the funds for agriculture in Albania within the IPARD II program. Through a press release, the EU Delegation has announced that the cutoff of funds has been made following an investigation conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), for corruption in the implementation of IPARD II in the years 2014-2020.
The announcement said that the investigation continues and that based on the final report of OLAF, further measures will be taken.
“The European Commission has informed the Albanian government that it has taken precautionary measures based on the initial information provided by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), following an investigation into allegations of corruption related to the implementation of the IPARD II program,” said the announcement.
According to it, as a preventive measure for the protection of the financial interests of the European Union, the EC has temporarily cut off funds to the Albanian authorities for the expenses incurred within the IPARD II program.
“The European Commission cannot comment on any possible findings of OLAF on the implementation of the IPARD II program (2014-2020) in Albania. OLAF’s investigation continues. When OLAF submits the final report, the European Commission will inform the Albanian authorities and, based on the findings of the report, will take any further measures necessary to protect the financial interests of the European Union,” said the announcement.
The IPARD II program, which aims to support farmers, is financial support for agriculture and rural development, a fund co-financed by the EU (75%) and the Albanian government (25%). /argumentum.al
