It has emerged that the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) is conducting a total of three investigations into Flemish Euro PM Hilde Vautmans (Flemish liberal Open VLD). Weekly Knack was first to report the news that has been confirmed to VRT NEWS by a well-informed source. Ms Vautmans will soon be questioned as part of the investigations, which focus on the alleged misuse of European funds.
Knack published anonymous testimonies of former employees of Ms Vautmans in May last year. The Flemish liberal, who has been in the European Parliament for 10 years, was accused of misusing European money and toxic leadership.
A few months later, it emerged that the European Public Prosecutor's Office had decided to open an investigation into Ms Vautmans on the basis of an official report from Belgium’s federal police.
It now appears that 3 investigations are under way. They were all launched in the same period. The details are not in the public domain, but the investigations focus on how Ms Vautmans uses the European budget at its disposal.
Questioning
Ms Vautmans is reportedly to be questioned about these matters soon.
The Euro MP responded to the allegations in Knack last year saying that she had always followed European rules on spending and can prove it. Ms Vautmans would not comment on news that additional investigations are under way.