The European General Court has delivered a verdict in support of a Greek researcher, mandating the European Commission to compensate €50,000 in damages and legal expenses following findings of defamation by the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf). The researcher was unjustly accused of misappropriating EU grant funds in a press release that the court determined contained misrepresentations and inaccuracies. This represents a notable advancement in a case that spans over five years, adversely impacting the researcher’s health and professional trajectory.
In 2020, Olaf issued a press release claiming misappropriation of a €1.1 million grant supervised by the European Research Council for a research initiative at a Greek university involving international partners. The claims primarily centered on the improper remuneration of these partners. However, a Greek court exonerated the researcher of all allegations earlier this year.
The European General Court pointed out that Olaf’s press release unlawfully handled personal information and violated obligations of neutrality, deceiving the public regarding the researcher’s innocence. The press release suggested that the researcher had engaged in misconduct, even though most collaborators attested to their participation and the payments they received from the project.
The consequences of this case brought about considerable personal and professional setbacks for the researcher, including the forfeiture of a prospective job offer and opportunities for career progression. This ruling emphasizes the paramount significance of precise representation and fairness in official communications that can profoundly impact reputations and careers.