Former Croatian minister charged for spending EU money on private dinners
The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) filed an indictment against the former minister, who is alleged to have partially paid private restaurant visits with her official representation budget on at least nine occasions between May 2017 and July 2019.
The prosecutor's office suggests that the expenses amount to €9.732 of which 85% is believed to have been covered by EU funds, the remainder by Croatian taxpayers.
During the investigation – which started in December 2023 – the defendant has paid the full amount as compensation for damages, according to the EU body that has the power to investigate and prosecute crimes affecting the EU's financial interests.
Gabrijela Žalac, who served as Croatian minister for regional development and EU funds between 2016 and 2019, is reported to be the minister in question.
'For this criminal offence, she can be sentenced to between 6 months to five years of imprisonment,' EPPO press offices told Euractiv on Wednesday.
Last month, Žalac was sentenced to two years in prison by the County Court of Zagreb after pleading guilty to abuse of office and trading in influence, following a 2022 EPPO indictment.
The case involved a rigged 2017 public procurement deal worth €1.73 million, benefiting favoured companies through illegal procedures. Despite the tender being annulled, the contract was still awarded, causing at least €1 million in EU budget damage. The former minister then paid €200,000 in partial compensation under a plea deal.
The Croatian Ministry for Regional Development and EU Funds did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Elisa Braun contributed reporting.
(vib)
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