WRITTEN QUESTION P-2740/97 by Nel van Dijk (V) to the Commission (30 July 1997)

Subject: The implementation of the Democracy Programme under TACIS and PHARE is in danger

With respect to the implementation of programmes involving expenditure in excess of ECU 300 000, the European Commission must issue a call for tenders every three years. However, three and a half years have already elapsed since the European Human Rights Foundation was entrusted with the implementation of the Democracy Programme under PHARE and TACIS. Last year, just before the three-year period came to an end, a new call for tenders was issued, but none of the bidders was awarded the contract. During the last six months, the European Human Rights Foundation was awarded two short-term contracts which expire on 31 July 1997. Apparently, those contracts will not be renewed.

1. Can the Commission say what the result was of the call for tenders issued last year?

2. Can it indicate why the short-term contracts concluded with the European Human Rights Foundation are not being renewed?

3. Can the Commission say whether another body will be taking over the monitoring and support role currently played by the European Human Rights Foundation?

4. If not, does the Commission agree with me that it is unacceptable that these internal administrative problems should have a major impact on the day-to-day activities of the many NGOs which, despite their contractual entitlement to financing under the PHARE and TACIS Programmes, may well find themselves without funds as from 31 July since no authority exists which can draw up their contracts or assess their interim communications?

5. How does the Commission think the NGOs should solve these problems?

6. Can the Commission indicate how long this situation is likely to last?

7. Does the Commission agree that the problems involving the PHARE and TACIS Programmes may confirm the man in the street's general impression that the European Commission is an exceptionally bureaucratic body?

Answer given by Mr Van den Broek on behalf of the Commission (16 September 1997)

The Phare and Tacis democracy programmes are implemented by the Commission, which has sought external support. That assistance has been provided by the European human rights foundation (EHRF). This arrangement will last until May 1998. This guarantees that contracts for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are prepared without discontinuity.

A tender was launched last year to provide assistance not only to the democracy programme but also to the Lien and partnership and coordination programmes which are facilities financed through Phare and Tacis. No bid was judged to meet the needs of the Commission, and it was following this that the arrangements with the EHRF have continued.

On the basis of an evaluation which will be finalised this autumn, the Commission is examining how the management of the democracy programmes, and those for human rights support, should take place.

The Commission is conscious that the contractual arrangements for NGOs can appear burdensome, and is seeking ways whereby sound and efficient management may be combined with a caring and more streamlined approach to non-governmental organisations.