Enquêtes d'OLAF

Avis concernant la proposition de règlement modifiant le règlement (CE) no 1073/1999 relatif aux enquêtes effectuées par l'Office européen de lutte antifraude (OLAF), JO C 91, 26.04.2007, p. 1

The proposal relates to OLAF's operational activities because it aims to amend the Regulation which lays down the rules and constitute the legal basis for investigations, etc. The aim is to:

• Improve the effectiveness of investigations;
• Facilitate the exchange between OLAF and the various institutions concerning information about suspected wrongdoings, at both EU and national level; and
• Guarantee the rights of persons implicated in an investigation, including their right to data protection and privacy and make procedural guarantees stronger.

The EDPS agrees with the significance of the goals and objectives pursued by the proposed amendments, especially regarding the procedural guarantees afforded to individuals. However, when it comes to personal data protection, the proposal could be further improved without jeopardising the objectives that it pursues. Concerns relate to the right of information, access and rectification as well as exchanges of personal information. The EDPS also proposes measures regarding the confidentiality of whistleblowers.