The ambassador of the European Union in Albania, Romana Vlahutin, is under OLAF investigation.
According to the media “New Europe”, Vlahutin’s investigation has begun for the purchase of a 1.6 million Euro villa in a residential center on the outskirts of the Albanian capital.
At the time of the sale, similar houses in the same area and bigger ones were priced at least €1m less than what the Commission paid.
This investigation is of particular significance because it was opened four weeks ahead of Albania’s general election on June 25.
On the other side, Vlahutin has openly supported Albanian Prime Minister ruling socialists. The fact, however, that the Rama-friendly EU Ambassador was placed under investigation before the election, may signify that given the circumstances, the European Commission does not wish to take sides in the electoral process of Albania.
Nevertheless, the good ambassador’s pick has few chances of winning the election – and no one wants to be associated with a loser, especially not the European Commission.
