(PRAGUE) - The Czech Republic has been asked by Brussels to return 234.48 million koruna (9.75 million euros, 15.18 million dollars) following a probe into embezzlement of EU funds, local media said Wednesday.

"The (EU) Commission has asked us to restitute this money to its account on the basis of checks it carried out," the ministry of finance told the business daily Hospodarske Noviny.

The ministry spokesman refused to give further details when questioned by AFP.

"Finance Minister Miroslav Kalousek must send this sum to Brussels by August 7 by the latest," the paper added.

Eight people have been accused for their suspected part in a huge fraud focused on EU funds aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses. The trial should start in the autumn.

Amongst the accused are the former deputy minister for regional development, Petr Forman, and his former advisor, Radim Spacek. Both deny taking part in any fraud.

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