WRITTEN QUESTION E-0054/02

by Wolfgang Kreissl-Dörfler (PSE) to the Commission

(24 January 2002)

Subject: Framework agreement between the Teutonic Order, DOH International division, and the Commission

In March 1999, the Hospitalers of the Teutonic Order (DOH) International and the Commission signed an initial contract for a framework agreement worth EUR 2,95 million to finance an aid programme in several countries in Asia. This was reported in issue number

4/1999 of DO aktuell, the magazine of the Order's German branch (Brüderprovinz). Since November 2000, the Teutonic Order, a public body, (headquarters: Weyarn-Upper Bavaria), has been experiencing financial difficulties.

1. What were the content and the aim of the above agreement?

2. What terms and conditions had to be met to obtain EU funds?

3. How much money has been paid out?

4. What information is available about the experiences and the results of DOH's development work?

5. Is there any documentation showing how the money has been spent? If so, what kind?

6. Have further agreements been concluded between the Commission and DOH? If so, which?

7. Is the present cooperation with DOH continuing or has it already ended?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(22 March 2002)

1. The title of the agreement signed between the Community and DOH-I is: Sustainable economic and social rehabilitation for drug users in Asia (ASI/B7-6210/IB/98/0643). The total Project Amount is 2 600 000; Community contribution 1 950 000 and DOH-I contribution totalling 650 000.

The overall objective of the proposed programme is Effective, sustainable economic and social rehabilitation for drug users in Asia. The specific objectives include: to assist beneficiaries in the process of economical and social rehabilitation through the development of projects with appropriate methodologies; and to ensure sustainability of this approach, through upgrading of the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) administrative and operational capabilities.

The goal is to enhance significantly and measurably the rehabilitation and reduced demand for drugs among the target population (the beneficiaries) which involves 5 000 current drug users.

2. The financing of this project was subject to the following conditions:

- the first payment is subject to the approval of the yearly workplan and to the provision of a financial guarantee which amount is superior to each individual payment;

- the interim payments are subject to the approval of the yearly workplan and to the approval of interim technical and financial reports;

- the final payment is subject to the approval of the final technical and financial reports.

3. The advance payment of 701 600 was paid in September 1999.

The first interim payment of 491 957 was paid in November 1999.

The second interim payment of 513 899 was paid in September 2001.

4. There are project specific reports (six-monthly and yearly progress report).

In addition, DOH made, on its own initiative, the following reports covering this project: Helping People (1998); Reports on the various drug rehabilitation centres operated by DO in Germany; Overview of self-financed assistance programmes operated by DOH-I in the Asian and Caribbean Regions.

5. The technical and financial reports together with supporting documents.

6. The Precursor Programme for Caribbean Regional and Inter Regional Co-operation with Southern Africa in treatment and rehabilitation Phase I, B7-6210/CAR/99-05.

Total project cost: 656,700; Community contribution 525 360 (82 %) DOH contribution 131 340 (18 %).

7. The financial and technical reports have proven to be satisfactory and have been submitted by DOH according to the contractual deadlines.

DOH's contribution with regard to the implementation of the projects has been substantial.

DOH has ensured a financial guarantee required for the payment of the first instalment.

The results of the global evaluation are positive, the project was found to be particularly relevant and important.

As a result, co-operation with DOH has continued on this basis.