Budgetary Control MEPs shortlist three candidates to lead OLAF

Following hearings with four candidates for the position of Director-General of OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office, the Budgetary Control Committee shortlisted three nominees for the post.

On Monday, Petr Klement (CZ) emerged as the frontrunner in the secret ballot, followed by Ladislav Hamran (SK) and Joanna Krzeminska - Vamvaka (PL). Gabriele Failla (IT) came fourth and was therefore not shortlisted.

During the hearings, conducted for the first time jointly with Council representatives, committee MEPs questioned the candidates about their vision for OLAF’s role within the EU’s anti-fraud framework, the added value they could bring to the office’s operations, and their approach to its key areas of work.

Next steps

The shortlist now needs to be endorsed by the European Parliament’s Conference of Presidents and the Council, before being forwarded to the European Commission. The Commission will then select the next Director-General from the three shortlisted candidates.

Background

OLAF is an independent body within the European Commission that investigates fraud, corruption, and other illegal activities affecting the EU’s financial interests. It cooperates closely with national authorities and EU institutions, issuing recommendations to recover funds and strengthen anti-fraud systems. The mandate of the current OLAF Director-General, Ville Itälä (FI), expires on 31 July 2025.

Under OLAF’s governing regulation, the European Parliament and the Council must agree on a shortlist of three candidates from a list of suitable applicants drawn up by the Commission.