91999E1934

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1934/99

by Konstantinos Hatzidakis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(4 November 1999)

Subject: Progress in implementing the operational programme to combat social exclusion under the Community Support Framework for Greece

From the Commission's answer to one of my previous questions(1) it emerged that there were problems involved in implementing the operational programme to combat social exclusion under the Community Support Framework for Greece and that appropriations were moving very slowly. Can the Commission say what the current take-up rate of scheduled appropriations is? Have the problems associated with the implementation of the programme been overcome and, if not, to what are such long delays attributable?

(1) P-3427/97, OJ C 134, 30.4.1998, p. 163.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(2 December 1999)

The 1994-1998 take-up rate for the operational programme on combating exclusion from the labour market (1994-1999 Community support framework for Greece) is 34 % in terms of incurred expenditure.

According to information from the Greek authorities, approximately 64 % of programme credits had been committed by the end of June 1999 and it is estimated that there will be 100 % credit absorption within the deadlines imposed by the financial implementation provisions in force.

There has been significant progress in programme implementation in comparison with the 1994-1997 period. The national accreditation agency was re-established and is at present functioning in a satisfactory way. There have also been improvements in programme monitoring. However, further action would still be required, also under the 3rd Community support framework for Greece, for the reinforcement or creation of appropriate implementing structures in particular labour market mechanisms and support structures.