Commission to rule on fate of Emerson

Date: 22/02/1996

By Rory Watson

THE European Commission intends to decide on the future of one of its most senior officials at its regular weekly meeting next Wednesday.

In a bid to end speculation over the fate of Michael Emerson, it has asked that the internal investigation into outside allegations about his conduct while head of the EU's Moscow representation be brought to a speedy end.

On returning to Brussels after his five-year posting, Emerson began working in a foreign policy think tank reporting to External Affairs Commissioner Hans van den Broek. He submitted a request this week for early retirement from the institution he joined in 1973 as part of the first intake of British officials.

In a statement issued yesterday (21 February), the Commission said it had “received an initial assessment of the investigation into the Emerson case”, adding: “It has instructed this investigation to be completed and all the necessary details made available so that it can take a decision at its next meeting. At this moment, the Commission has no intention of releasing any further details.”

A Commission official confirmed earlier: “We received a letter from Emerson, asking for early retirement. The request has only just come in. It will have to be examined ... It is a request to be allowed to retire on pension.”

Based on the findings of the investigation, the Commission will have to decide whether to close the case or extend its inquiries, as well as respond to the request for early retirement.