EU Health Commissioner John Daly has resigned over allegations of corruption over tobacco regulations, although he denies wrongdoing.
John Daly, 64, a former minister from Malta, resigned after the EU's anti-fraud office (OLAF) found that he was aware of an attempt to corrupt a new regulation on a Swedish tobacco product called "snus".
The European Commission said Dali "categorically rejected the findings" but decided to resign to better defend his reputation and that of the EU executive.
The European Commission announced that the OLAF service "did not find definitive proof" of the direct involvement of Dali, but that it believes that "he knew about the events".
The European Commission said Dali "categorically rejected the findings" but decided to resign to better defend his reputation and that of the EU executive.
The OLAF service sent a report to the European Commission after investigating the report of the "Svidish Mech" tobacco manufacturer. The Commission says that a Maltese businessman tried to use his acquaintance with Commissioner Dali to create a favorable solution for "snus" and in return to receive money from the company "Svidish Mech".
"'Svidish Match' takes this case very seriously," the company said. "The case was immediately reported to the European Commission, and the report of the Anti-Fraud Service confirmed that the report was founded".
OLAF claims that Dali knew about the fraud attempt. The report of that service is now going to the Attorney General of Malta.
Maltese Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi has announced that he will nominate a new commissioner to replace Dalio.
Twelve years ago, the entire European Commission resigned after a board of inquiry pointed to exchange of favors and financial irregularities within its ranks.
"Despite efforts over the past few years to clean it up, influence peddling and personal connections can still be a feature of lobbying in the EU," said Jana Mittermajer, head of Transparency International's EU office.
"If so, the EU services must take measures against corruption much more seriously".
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