91999E0194

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0194/99

by Freddy Blak (PSE) to the Commission

(11 February 1999)

Subject: Corruption and the Olympic Games

Following recent revelations concerning the dubious methods used to secure the Winter Olympics for Salt Lake City, with inducements including free sex, scholarships, travel and favourable property deals for IOC members, will the Commission say how much money the EU gives to support the Olympic Games generally and whether adequate checks are made to ensure that such money is used as intended?

Answer given by Mr Oreja on behalf of the Commission

(24 March 1999)

The Commission has never granted a financial contribution to the International Olympic Committee.

In 1992, the Commission made two direct contributions to the committees organising the Olympic Games in Barcelona (EUR 6 million) and Albertville (EUR 4 million) in order to give a Community dimension to the opening ceremonies. The Commission thus responded to an invitation from Parliament, among others. It should be recalled that the decision to hold the Games in the two Community cities was taken in 1987.

The Community's involvement in the 1992 Olympic Games was the subject of a Communication(1) to Parliament and the Council.

(1) COM(92) 575 final.