91999E1650

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1650/99

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(22 September 1999)

Subject: Dutch government's assessment of European development aid

Is the Commission aware of the very critical report on the quality of European aid which has been presented by the Dutch government to the Dutch parliament?

Were the Dutch government and the Commission in contact prior to the publication of the report?

Does the Commission broadly agree with the criticism made in the report? If so, which specific criticisms does it agree with, and which does it consider irrelevant or inappropriate?

What, in general, is the Commission's response to this report?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(18 November 1999)

The Commission noted with interest the existence of the Dutch report on the quality of European aid, which was first brought to its attention by the Honourable Member's written question. Although the Commission did not have any direct contact with the Dutch government on this particular report, there has been a long-standing discussion with Member States on the improvements to be made to European development aid, following four global evaluations that were carried out earlier this year. At its May 1999 meeting, the Development Council adopted a set of conclusions that suggested areas for improvement in the development aid managed by the Commission. These conclusions were the result of a constructive collaboration between the Council and the Commission.

The Commission does broadly concur with the content of the report and is pleased to note that the Dutch government recognises the efforts that it is making to improve the management of development aid. It has already recognised that there are certain areas where its performance needs to be improved. Proposals to introduce improvements have either already been presented to the Council and Parliament, or are currently being developed, either within the context of the present regulations and the Lomé Convention, or in the framework of the negotiations that are on-going on the successor Convention to the Lomé Convention and the new regulations for MEDA and South Africa. The Commission is pleased to note that the Dutch government considers that there are grounds for optimism for the future, in terms of constructive co-operation and positive results.

The Commission is preparing an action plan of measures to respond to the recommendations of the various evaluation reports, as well as the follow-up proposed in the Council conclusions on evaluation, including a strategic framework for all Community development policy. This action plan will be communicated to the Parliament after its adoption by the Commission.