91997E2450

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2450/97 by Frank Vanhecke (NI) to the Commission (16 July 1997)

Subject: Community subsidies

Under budget item B96 B3-4110 (transaction SOC96102774) the 'City of Antwerp' received a subsidy of ECU 79 824 in 1996. The aim of the subsidy was: 'Elaine - Promoting self-employment and job creation by ethnic minorities.'

Was the application for this subsidy submitted by the Antwerp municipal council?

If not, who precisely is meant by the 'City of Antwerp'?

Was the application for the subsidy submitted in English or Dutch?

Can the Commission provide a copy of the application?

How many jobs were actually created for migrants by the 'City of Antwerp' with the subsidy requested specifically for this purpose?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-2450/97 and E-2461/97 given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission (18 September 1997)

The applications for part-financing for the projects on 'Promoting self-employment and job creation by ethic minorities' were submitted in Dutch by the two cities of Antwerp and Ghent and signed by their respective mayors. The Commission is unable to provide copies, and the Honourable Member should contact the authorities from whom the applications originate.

The objective of the projects is not to create jobs for migrants as such, but to develop and implement training strategies aimed at entrepreneurs of immigrant origin, to promote cooperation between such persons and business organisations, and to improve their knowledge of the regulations in force. The impact in terms of job creation will therefore be indirect, and it will not be possible to measure it until after the end of the projects.