R&D writes to the Secretary General on Dieselgate

28/06/2016 , No comments
Two weeks ago R&D sent a letter to the Secretary general in reference to the so-called "Dieselgate" scandal. The impression that the Commission is giving in its handling of this matter is not entirely reassuring. 
As a trade union we are particularly concerned with defending the rights and good reputation of JRC staff who have worked meticulously, and we asked the Secretary General what concrete actions are being taken to protect our colleagues.  
The Secretary general has now replied to our letter confirming the Commission's support for the JRC and for its personnel. Unfortunately though it is not clear that the Commission really understands the gravity of the situation.
In particular we wish to draw to your attention this letter from the EP EMIS committee of 2nd June in which EMIS representatives appear critical of the JRC for an apparent retention of information, opening the door to doubts about the transparency of the process. We believe that this criticism may damage the JRC reputation even more than the scandal itself - the dividing line between perception and reality is narrow.
In the meantime, articles continue to appear in the press questioning the management of this issue by all involved parties:  
16.06.2016 'VW upper management must have known about dieselgate'
17.06.2016 EU science body 'pre-selecting' diesel probe evidence
20.06.2016 European Commission warned of car emissions test cheating, five years before VW scandal
20.06.2016 Growing proof that EU suspected diesel fraud
We believe that mistakes at this stage may cause a serious threat to the JRC and the Commission, and further feed eurosceptic feelings throughout the continent. We call all those in key-functions to openly and transparently collaborate with the inquiry body and to learn lessons for the future.

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