EC first vice-president Timmermans, EP President Tajani reiterate endorsement for Kovesi

The first vice-president of the European Commission, Frans Timmermans, has reiterated his support for the former head of the National Anti-corruption Directorate, Laura Codruta Kovesi, in her race for the European chief prosecutor office. Timmermans said that Kovesi remains the favourite candidate of the European parliament for this position, underlining that it is important she remains a candidate.

Timmermans added that he had the opportunity of working with Kovesi for several years, arguing she is a very good quality legal expert and that he admires her for her courage.

„As for the Commission, it is important she is able to be a candidate so that the European institutions should take a decision. I voiced this stance very clearly also in the discussions with the Romanian authorities”, Timmermans said.

The President of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani has also reiterated his endorsement for Kovesi at the beginning of the EP session, after he had voiced his concern several days ago that the former DNA chief was placed on judicial control. Tajani announced he would send a letter to the Romanian authorities asking them not to hinder Kovesi’s participation in all selection stages for the European Prosecutor’s Office.

“I wish to express all the concern of the European Parliament for the situation that has occurred, asking that the benefit of doubt should be observed,” Tajani told a plenary session of the European Parliament. “Ms. Kovesi remains our candidate and continues to enjoy our respect and support,” he said, adding that placing candidate Kovesi under judicial control means “restricting her personal freedom”, as she cannot leave the country, she must go the the police every day and she is banned from making press statements.

The second round of negotiation between the EU Council and the European Parliament to designate the future European chief prosecutor took place in March 27, but no agreement has been reached.

Two more rounds of talks are due on April 4 and April 10.

Meanwhile in Romania, the High Court is judging today the complaint filed by Kovesi against the judicial control ordered against her by the special section of investigation magistrates in the file where she is charged of bribe taking, abuse of office and perjury in a case related to the circumstances in which former FNI director Nicolae Popa was repatriated from Indonesia.