91996E1720

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1720/96 by Stelios Argyros (PPE) to the Commission (25 June 1996)

Subject: Community support framework for Greece - uptake of appropriations under the culture subprogramme

As part of the Community support programme for Greece, the Commission approved public expenditure of ECU 271 334 million for the culture subprogramme for the period from 22 November 1994 to 31 December 1999, including Community ERDF funding amounting to ECU 112 033 million.

Has the potential uptake of the funding by each of the measures proposed within the remaining three years been assessed? With regard to expenditure by legal persons governed by private law subsidized under the subprogramme, have formal commitments concerning funding and operational obligations concerning completion of the works been entered into?

Answer given by Mrs Wulf-Mathies on behalf of the Commission (2 August 1996)

The Tourism and Culture Operational Programme (OP) was approved in November last year. The Commission still has no official information on the uptake of the measures provided for under the programme because the OP Monitoring Committee has not yet met.

The Commission considers it possible for the appropriations allocated to the Culture subprogramme to be taken up provided that administrative procedures are carried out efficiently.

It goes without saying that project-implementing agencies are required to use Community funds for cofinanced projects only and to ensure that projects work after completion.