Greens consider Norwegian judge as top candidate in European elections

Eva Joly was born in Norway but has held duel Norwegian-French citizenship for the past 41 years.

She made her name as a fierce anti-corruption investigating magistrate in France and more than anyone was responsible for exposing the scandal at state oil giant ELF-Aquitaine.

During the case, she faced regular death threats, her telephones were tapped and her home and offices burgled several times. As a result of her work, 30 people were convicted and it later emerged that senior members of President Mitterrand's government were implicated as participating in the illegal activities, including former French foreign minister Roland Dumas.

She now works as a special advisor to the Norwegian government on money laundering and campaigns for tougher international action against fraud involving political and economic leaders.

"Eva Joly shares our values. She is considering being a candidate, but has requested a few final details," Mr Cohn-Bendit said.

France's centrist Democratic Movement, headed by Francois Bayrou, has also eyed up the qualifications of Ms Joly. She appeared at a rally launching the party's EU campaign in June.

According to regional daily Lyon Capitale, Ms Joly could be offered a candidacy for the Greens in the French south-east, while Norwegian daily Aftenposten reports she may well run in Brittany, where she has a home.