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"OLAF can confirm that it has just closed its investigation into the alleged misuse of funding from the EU's IPARD II program in Albania."
The press office of OLAF (European Office against Economic Fraud) told Report Tv that the process of investigating the funds granted by the European Union for agriculture in Albania during the years 2014-2020 has just been completed.
In July of this year, the European Commission temporarily suspended payments from the program for Albania pending the final findings of OLAF, while after the request addressed to the central offices of the highest institution in the EU, the press spokesperson for the European Commission, Victoria Hansson Malmlof, makes know the following:
"As a result of the conclusion of the investigation, OLAF has now transmitted its final report and recommendations to the relevant competent authorities."
But what concrete measures will be taken on this issue and how much will this affect Albania's journey towards the European Union?
"To respect the confidentiality of the investigation, any possible subsequent proceedings, procedural rights and personal data, OLAF is not in a position to comment further at this stage."
In July, the Ministry of Agriculture admitted that investigations had been launched, but considered it a normal procedure. The IPARD program is financial support for agriculture and rural development from EU funds, to the extent of 75% and the Albanian government to the extent of 25%.
The implementation of the program is the responsibility of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development, AZHBR. The IPARD II program has a total fund of 94 million euros divided by years from 2014 to 2020.
Financing in the amount of 71 million euros from the EU, and 23 million euros from the Albanian state, has been given for investments in physical assets in agricultural farms, investments in physical assets for the processing and marketing of agricultural and fishing products, farm diversification and business development and assistance technical in these sectors.
In the SP Assembly, Rama dismissed the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka, the Minister of Agriculture, Frida Krifca, and the Minister of Education, Evis Kushi, while repeating the promise that he will not protect any ruler who will face justice.
Frida Krifca fled Agriculture a few months after the European Union announced the suspension of IPARD funds based on suspicions of corruption by the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development, AZHBR, previously headed by her.
Instead of Krifca, Rama brings back to the cabinet the MP Anila Denaj, who previously headed the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
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