EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 84/657

(2004/C 84 E/0741)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0700/04

by Benedetto Della Vedova (NI) to the Commission

(9 March 2004)

Subject: Use of European Social Fund resources in connection with the Edunet project

In two earlier questions (E-0103/01 (1) of 29 January 2001 and E-2345/02 (2) of 29 July 2002) the author of this question referred to the Commission for its consideration the case of the ‘Edunet Project’, which was being promoted by the CST srl company and financed by means of the EU's European Social Fund (Adapt programme) and in connection with which EU funding seemed to be being used for a purpose totally different from its intended one.

In her reply of 8 March 2001 Mrs Anna Diamantopoulou (Commissioner) said that in response to the above questions the Commission had asked the Italian Ministry of Labour to check the expenditure made in connection with the Edunet project and not to pay any advances.

In her second reply (of 16 September 2002) Mrs Diamantopoulou announced (a) that she had received a report from the Ministry of Labour, according to which there appeared to be ‘a confusion of project-related activities and activities outside the scope of the project, i.e. trade union activities’, (b) that the Ministry of Labour had suspended all further payments, (c) that the case had been forwarded to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and (d) that the Commission was awaiting the financial certification of the closure of the Community initiatives (Adapt/Employment) and had reserved the right to evaluate the eligibility of the submitted expenditure.

In the light of the facts set out above the Public Prosecutor's Office in Rome opened a judicial inquiry, the preliminary stage of which has now, apparently, been concluded.

Would the Commission answer the following questions:

— Has it received (from the Italian Government, amongst other sources) any further clarification concerning the Edunet Project?

— Is it now able to evaluate the eligibility of the expenditure made in connection with the Edunet Project?

Furthermore, given that the organisation involved in the above case (the Fisacat-CISL company) is now involved in other initiatives financed by means of the European Social Fund (such as the Flexible Training System project), does the Commission consider this to be compatible with the purposes and the objectives which that Fund is intended to serve?

Answer given by Mr Dimas on behalf of the Commission

(6 April 2004)

As indicated in its reply to Written Question E-2345/02 by the Honourable Member, the Italian Ministry of Labour has suspended the payment for the Edunet project as there are ongoing investigations concerning this element of the programme.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has opened a co-ordination case on the basis of Article 1 (2) of Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 (3).

This investigation, in which OLAF provided assistance and technical support, was carried out by the Italian authority (Guardia di Finanza).

The above-mentioned action indicated irregularities to the detriment of the European Social Fund. Subsequently, the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office opened criminal proceedings involving ten persons. A final decision by the Italian Court in this matter has not yet been notified to the Commission.

OLAF is currently engaged in the financial and judicial follow-up in this matter.

The Commission is now evaluating the possibility to close the ADAPT programme with the exception of the Edunet project subject to legal proceedings, in accordance with Article 52 §5 of Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 (4).

(1) OJ C 340 E, 4.12.2001, p. 11.

(2) OJ C 309 E, 12.12.2002, p. 225.

(3) Regulation (EC) No 1073/1999 of the Parliament and of the Council of 25 May 1999 concerning investigations conducted by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), OJ L 136, 31.5.1999.

(4) Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural Funds, OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.