Fight against fraud and protection of the Community's financial interests. Working programme 1997-1998, 1996 Report

The Committee unanimously adopted the report by Herbert BÖSCH (PES, A) on UCLAF's 1996 annual report and 1997-1998 work programme concerning protection of the Community's financial interests and combating fraud. The committee reaffirmed Parliament's position, stated in July, that UCLAF should be independent, to enable it to work more effectively in combating corruption within the Community institutions. On the subject of presumed irregularities relating to security contracts, the committee demanded that the institutions concerned should immediately contact the appropriate national judicial authorities. The committee proposed the creation of an independent European judicial authority that could carry out investigations for UCLAF and, if necessary, initiate criminal proceedings. �