WRITTEN QUESTION E-1623/99

by Gerhard Hager (NI) to the Commission

(15 September 1999)

Subject: Emergency aid for Kosovo

As part of the reconstruction of Kosovo contracts worth millions have been awarded and they are, quite rightly, financed by the EU. Efficient action is needed to relieve the most pressing problems. Nevertheless, even with emergency aid there is no room for measures which are inappropriate, uneconomical or which squander money.

Can the Commission answer the following questions:

1. What procedure is being used for awarding contracts for reconstruction?

2. How long do the contracts have to be published before they are actually awarded?

3. Where can information on these contracts be obtained?

4. What are the objective criteria for awarding these contracts?

5. How many EU project managers are involved in the Kosovo reconstruction programme?

6. How many individual projects are there for the reconstruction of Kosovo financed by the EU?

7. What is the level of costs for individual projects?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(19 October 1999)

The Commission has established a task force for Kosovo (TAFKO) for the implementation of reconstruction and structural assistance. The task force is composed of a team of 21 Commission officials with a group of experts and local staff, making all together currently more than 40. Delegated authority for the signature of contracts and payment orders has been given to the head of the task force. The award of contracts will be carried out in accordance with the Obnova financial regulation.

For a company to participate it must be registered in a Member State of the Community or in one of the Obnova beneficiary countries. Companies of countries benefiting from the PHARE programme may also be authorised on a case-by-case basis. Possible implementation of the first Community contributions is foreseen through local companies or those of the immediate surrounding region in order to ensure speedy delivery of assistance as well as to help restart the local economy.

International tenders will be published in the relevant Community publications and in particular on the website of the Community and the World Bank http://www.seerecon.org. All projects financed by the Community are identified in close collaboration with the United Nations interim administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) administration and Kosovo force (KFOR).

Humanitarian assistance to the region (specifically relating to the Kosovo crisis) provided through ECHO has been up to now 378 million. Also 10 million of projects were initiated in 1998 for the benefit of the Kosovo province, focussing on emergency rehabilitation (timber supply), animal feed and the reconstruction of Pristina University.

The total budgetary allocation for TAFKO activities in Kosovo during 1999 is 137 million of which 46 million has been committed to date on the International management group (IMG) damage assessment ( 3,5 million), the administrative and technical assistance (ATA) facility ( 6 million), to provide technical support, procurement for rehabilitation of dwellings and public buildings which will permit the shelter of a maximum number of returnees ( 14 million), support to essential public utilities (repairs, salaries, equipment, 9 million), demining ( 4 million), to help restore a customs service ( 3 million), small scale operations for rapid response to local initiatives ( 1 million), village employment and rehabilitation programme (VERP) to address the high level of unemployment and the effects of the war ( 4,5 million) In addition, a project, of high importance and symbolic value, has been launched, the rehabilitation of Mitrovica hospital ( 1 million).

Priorities for a third tranche of funding under 1999 programme have been identified between the Commission and UNMIK. Main priorities include public administration, infrastructure and economic development.