EU Investigation Unit Probes into Past EIB Administration Chief
Following accusations of misconduct, the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) has revoked the immunity of previous EU Investment Bank (EIB) head Werner Hoyer. The EPPO is looking into a financial settlement given to a former bank staffer during Hoyer's time as EIB chief, as stated by Hoyer's legal representative Nikolaos Gazeas in a conversation with AFP. Hoyer himself called the claims "ridiculous and baseless."
The European Public Prosecutor's Office is reportedly probing cases of "corruption, misuse of power, and the misappropriation of EU funds." Gazeas explained that Hoyer "had no role in discussions regarding the ex-employee's exit" and simply signed off on the related settlement agreement. "The allegations against me are sheer nonsense," Hoyer asserted.
He willingly surrendered all required documents and pledged to "offer complete cooperation" to the investigators. The Public Prosecutor's Office declined to provide additional comments due to ongoing proceedings.
Hoyer had served as the EIB's leader for twelve years, stepping down on January 1 of the current year. His successor as EIB head is the former Spanish Minister of Economy, Nadia Calviño. The bank offers loans for projects focusing on areas like climate change mitigation and digital transformation.
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The EU Public Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating allegations of corruption related to a financial settlement provided during Werner Hoyer's tenure as EIB boss. The EU Public Prosecutor's Office is also examining potential misuse of power and misappropriation of EU funds in relation to the EIB boss.
