"The vice-minister: how we cheated" headlines Mladá Fronta DNES, which secretly recorded a business meeting between a high-ranking official of the Czech Defence ministry and an arms industry representative. The daily reveals how the ministry was able to get around the European laws governing arms contract offers in public markets: it suffices to create a "strategic project" with another member state, such as Slovakia. The dealers can then exact higher prices than in other countries, while corrupt officials pocket commissions on the transactions.
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!