WRITTEN QUESTION E-0972/02

by Nelly Maes (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(10 April 2002)

Subject: Commission monitoring of the use of structural funds in the Hainaut Province

In the 2000-2006 programming period, projects in the Hainaut Province are financed during the phasing-out period from funds under Objective 1. The province also receives funds from other programmes such as the ESF, ERDF and the EAGGF. The projects supported in full or in part by these funds are selected and financially supported by the Member State and its appropriate organs. The Commission has the power to monitor these selected projects.

Which individual DGs are empowered to carry out the checks already undertaken in Hainaut? What criteria are applied when such checks are carried out?

Has the Commission already carried out checks on projects in Hainaut financed by the Community (from the various Funds) in the programming period 2000-2006?

1. If so, can the Commission provide a summary of such checks and the results thereof?

2. If not, are any such checks in the pipeline and, if so, which projects are involved? What obstacles have prevented the checks from being carried out?

Does the Commission have an overview of the checks carried out in Hainaut and the results thereof for the 1994-1999 programming period?

In the monitoring reports relating to both periods, are there any references to the specific undertakings and contractors who carried out certain projects on behalf of the administrative authorities?

1. If so, can the Commission provide an overview thereof?

2. If not, does the Commission know to which bodies requests for such information should be addressed?

Answer given by Mr Barnier on behalf of the Commission

(25 June 2002)

The Directorates-General (DGs) authorised to carry out inspections of programmes part-financed by the Structural Funds are:

- Regional Policy (REGIO) for assistance from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF);

- Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) for assistance from the European Social Fund (ESF);

- Agriculture (AGRI) for assistance from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund Guidance section (EAGGF);

- Fisheries (FISH) for assistance from the Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).

The primary responsibility for the control of programmes financed by the Union falls to the relevant authorities in the Member States.

In addition, the services of the Commission undertake controls at two levels:

- systems control;

- controls of a sample of programmes and projects.

The programmes to be checked are selected on the basis of a risk analysis while ensuring adequate geographical coverage of all the Member States and all types of programme.

In addition, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) is responsible for investigating irregularities and frauds. One project implemented in the province of Hainaut during the 2000-2006 programming period is currently being investigated by OLAF.

DG REGIO is currently finalising the work plan for the 1994-1999 programming period, which will provide a basis for the selection and implementation of audits into the closure of individual programmes. Individual projects will also be selected and mentioned in the inspection reports.

Following submission of the application for final payment for closure of the programmes, DG FISH will carry out an audit inspection for the 1994-1999 programming period based on individual selection. The results of these checks will be mentioned in the final report.

OLAF has carried out investigations with links to projects implemented in the province of Hainaut during the 1994-1999 programming period, all of which have been closed.

In view of the decentralisation of responsibilities for the management of the Structural Funds, for information on the project operators and possible promoters, the Commission would request the Honourable Member to contact the authorities responsible for programme management, at the following address: Ministère de la Région wallonne, Direction générale de l'économie et de l'emploi, Division de la Politique économique, Direction des Programmes européens, Place de la Wallonie 1, B-5100 Jambes Namur (Belgium).