Greek road scheme sparks conflict of interests inquiry

Date: 13/06/02

By Martin Banks

THE European Commission has launched an investigation into an alleged conflict of interests over a €30 million road scheme in Greece.

The inquiry will focus on the role of Eleni Kopanezou while she was head of unit at the executive's transport directorate. Her department was responsible for overseeing the contract for the construction of a new 680-kilometre motorway in northern Greece.

The road stretches from the Ionian port of Igoumenitsa in the west to Alexandroupoli at the Turkish border.

Concern has been raised because the company awarded the contract, Egnatia, is chaired and directed by Kopanezou's husband, Stergios Lambropoulos.

Danish Socialist MEP Freddy Blak called for the inquiry because he believes the case constitutes a serious conflict of interests. 'The Commission needs to clear up this whole affair,' he said.

'We need answers to several questions, including to what extent was Kopanezou involved in awarding the contract to her husband's company and why was she allowed to continue as head of unit. We also need to know exactly how much EU funding was given to this project.'

A Commission spokesman said an inquiry into the case was already being conducted by DG Administration.

Gilles Gantelet, spokesman for Transport Commissioner Loyola de Palacio, said: 'We are aware of the complaint and a full inquiry has been mounted to establish whether or not anyone gained an advantage in this case.

'I can confirm that Mrs Kopanezou has, in the meantime, been moved to another post pending the outcome of the inquiry.'

The European Commission has launched an investigation into an alleged conflict of interests over a €30 million road scheme in Greece.