Romanian Corruption-Accused MEP Suspends Himself From Social Democratic Party’s Standing Office

Severin said he decided to suspend himself from the position of party vice-president and member of the group's standing office until the European Parliament concludes its investigation into the case.

He said the European Parliament has not yet informed him about an investigation being opened.

Severin said the article published by The Sunday Times also brings up matters regarding the "protection" of the European Parliament against "false journalists".

Severin and Slovenian MEP Zoran Thaler were summoned in Brussels for talks on the accusations brought against them by Britain's Sunday Times.

Romanian National Anticorruption Department (DNA) spokeswoman Livia Saplacan told MEDIAFAX Monday prosecutors will examine the case of Severin.

Three European MPs - Romania's Adrian Severin, Austria's Ernst Strasser and Zoran Thaler of Slovenia - were prepared "to sell their services" and support the adoption of several amendments in exchange for EUR100,000 offered by Britain's Sunday Times journalists, who posed as financial lobbyists, AFP reported.

The Sunday Times journalists offered money to several European deputies to support the adoption of several amendments. The three MEPs reportedly accepted the deal.

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