91998E3603

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3603/98

by Luciano Vecchi (PSE) to the Commission

(3 December 1998)

Subject: Co-financing of European NGO projects in South Africa

Following developments in the political situation in the Republic of South Africa, European Union aid for it has for years been granted direct to public authorities, undertakings, popular organisations etc.

Following a period in which European NGOs had no Community support instrument with which to implement projects in South Africa, the Commission announced some time ago that it was willing to again give them the possibility of doing so under budget line B7-6000 (co-financing of NGO projects).

1. Can European NGOs in fact submit South African development projects under budget line B7-6000?

2. Were development projects in fact financed in 1996, 1997 and 1998?

Answer given by Mr Pinheiro on behalf of the Commission

(20 January 1999)

The Commission confirms that European non governmental organizations (NGOs) may present projects to be implemented in South Africa for cofinancing under the NGO cofinancing budget line B7-6000.

No projects were financed under this budget line in 1996.

In 1997 there was a Community contribution of 499 153 euro to a project from an European NGO to support self-help groups in rural areas of Kwazulu Natal Province. In 1998 three projects from European NGOs were supported with a total Community contribution of 861 920 euro in the areas of housing policy and construction, small enterprise development and literacy for the aged.

Eleven projects introduced by 10 European NGOs for a total of 4,5 million euro are under appraisal for decision in 1999 in the areas of youth, peace building, vocational training, gender advocacy, rural self help and support for small businesses.