Vautmans, who represents Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats, or Open Vld (Renew Europe), has denied the allegations appearing in Belgian media, maintaining that her actions were compliant with regulations.
ADVERTISEMENTA Belgian MEP has been accused of bullying personnel and misusing European Union funds.
Hilde Vautmans, who represents Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats or Open Vld (Renew Europe) in the European Parliament, is alleged to have repeatedly used EU money for unrelated purposes and intimidated her staff.
She has denied any wrongdoing.
“Everything we organise with European money is subject to strict rules, and that is fortunate,” Vautmans told Flemish public radio station VRT on Monday.
“The European Parliament confirmed to me ... by email that all my expenditure of European funds was done in compliance with the rules”.
“If people feel wronged and want an interview, my door is open,” she said.
Allegations came from the Belgian weekly Knack, although no formal complaint has yet been filed.
Vautmans, who is also a city councillor in Sint-Truiden, Limburg, has been an MEP for almost a decade, but Knack claims there has been a toxic working atmosphere in her cabinet and even psychological intimidation — with many former employees testifying anonymously in the article.
The article, published on Sunday, also alleges the misuse of EU funds by purchasing VIP tables at horse events.