91999E0743

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0743/99

by Yves Verwaerde (PPE) to the Commission

(9 March 1999)

Subject: NGOs subsidised under the EU's external policy

What criteria have been laid down with a view to determining the NGOs which are to be selected to receive Community subsidies so that they may participate in observer and training missions relating to elections as part of the EU's external policy designed to encourage the development of the democratic process?

Answer given by Mr van den Broek on behalf of the Commission

(8 April 1999)

The Commission awards Community funding to NGOs to participate in observer and training missions for elections according to their experience and professional capabilities and the quality of the projects proposed.

Another important criterion in selecting NGOs as election observers is their impartiality in the electoral process. This is crucial where electoral support outside the EU takes the form of assistance and training for local NGOs for capacity building in the country where the elections are to be held. In many cases Community funding is used to promote partnerships between European and local NGOs.

The Commission chooses NGOs which have the professional capabilities, experienced personnel, a knowledge of working languages and an effective methodology to observe the media in elections. On the training side the Commission is providing aid to academic institutions in the Member States which have undertaken recognised scientific work in this area.