(2004/C 78 E/0443)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2771/03

by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission

(16 September 2003)

Subject:   European Project Funding for Enable project

A representative of Dementia Voice, a partner in the Enable project, funded by the EC has expressed concern about the deficits they have incurred as a result of not yet receiving the balance of their European funding. Despite submitting all their paperwork by the deadline in June this year, they have been informed by the Commission that their project has not yet been processed and they will have to wait until the autumn. They are now in a deficit on this project of about GBP 8 000 which will be reflected in their annual accounts and may have a detrimental effect on applications for other funding.

What plans does the Commission have to improve deficit funding arrangements which are currently making it difficult for small but innovative projects and organisations to manage?

Answer given by Mr Busquin on behalf of the Commission

(29 October 2003)

As far as the Project under consideration is concerned, the payment corresponding to the eligible costs has been made to the project co-ordinator in charge.

The Commission is constantly striving to improve its performance. Within this context and taking into account the strengthened controls put in place in the context of the Reform and the new financial circuits, the Commission is taking substantial measures in order to ensure efficient payment of projects, both in terms of human resources (the services are steadily fulfilling all vacant posts regarding financial management and payments: out of 16 vacant posts, only one still remains vacant) and in terms of rationalisation of the financial management (some measures implemented: on the job intensive training, in addition to the standard requirements; strict implementation of deadlines, both internal and external, i.e. deadlines given to co-ordinators).