EU officials in Brussels are concerned after media reports in Tirana about the EU delegation purchase of a €1.6 million luxury villa in a residential area just outside the Albanian capital.

Inberborg Graessle, chair of the Budgetary Control Committee in the European Parliament, has asked for explanations from the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini.

The letter of Euro MP is dated February 15, 2017 and it contains a list of 11 detailed questions. What catches the eyes is the question number 9, about the employment of ministers’ kin in EU delegation from Vlahutin.

Graessle’s letter to Mogherini:

EEAS bought a residence in the Rolling Hills area, in Tirana. We have been informed the price of the 345 m2 villa was €1.65 million, corresponding to 4780 euro per square meter.

1. Can the Commission confirm the aforementioned figures?

2. If yes, what was the reason behind that price, since the average price of property in the same area differs from 1000 to 2000 Euros per square meter?

3. What was the reason of buying an expensive property, instead of paying rent for it or another building?

4. Did a public procurement procedure take place? How many offers were made?

5. Can you inform about the exact date of the start of negotiations for the new property and the date when the purchase contract was signed?

6. Who led the negotiations?

7. Is there any OLAF investigation under way?

8. Can you list the number of staff from the time of the (non official) start of the negotiations till the contract signature?

9. Is the EU office for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in the know for any relative of members of the Albanian government working in the delegation?

10. We have seen public accusations of corruption for a high official of the delegation. Can you confirm any investigation?

11. Is the EU office for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy investigating along with the Commission for Recruiting Procedures?