WRITTEN QUESTION E-2025/02

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(9 July 2002)

Subject: Irregularities in the Leader+ programme in the Valencia region

In its reply to questions H-0238/02 and H-0239/02(1) on irregularities in the selection procedure for Leader projects, the Commission said it would carry out an investigation and would ensure that the selection processes were conducted according to the criteria laid down in the programme.

Knowing that:

- the complaints received from the public are contained in the formal complaint submitted by the local action group Asociación GAL Ports-Maestrat to the Commission on 20 May 2002;

- the convocation order (Official Bulletin of the Valencia regional government, 2 November 2000) contradicts the rules laid down for the programme, in a way that could constitute a situation of illegal discrimination vis-à-vis those local economic or social agents who are not linked to the administration of the regional government (the Generalitat). A similar situation arises regarding the election of the president, who, in line with the automatic adaptation of the rules, should be elected from and by the public members of the local action group;

- the decision on the allocation of Leader aids has not yet been made, pending a reply from the Spanish authorities, who appear to be dragging their feet.

Can the Commission state whether it has received any kind of explanation or justification from the Spanish authorities in relation to the alleged irregularities concerning the Leader programme in the Valencia region?

What action will the Commission take to ensure that the Valencian authorities annul the existing order (Official Bulletin of the Valencia regional government, 2 November 2000) and replace it by a new set of rules which are properly adapted to the Regulation and to the spirit of the programme, while also proceeding to a new convocation in line with the procedures laid down by the Commission?

(1) Written answer of 9.4.2002.

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission

(5 August 2002)

In its reply to oral questions H-0238/02 from Mrs Rodriguez Ramos and H-0239/02 from the Honourable Member during question time at Parliament's Plenary Session in April 2002(1), the Commission reiterated that all the selection criteria laid down in the approved programme had to be complied with.

The Commission did not say that it would immediately initiate a specific investigation of the Leader+ programme in the Autonomous Community of Valencia, but it did undertake to ask the Member State to ensure that these criteria are adhered to.

The Spanish Ministry of Agriculture replied by letter that it had enough information to endorse the selection made by the regional authorities.

The allocation of Leader assistance has not therefore been blocked. It can only be mobilised, however, once an agreement has been concluded between the competent authorities and the Commission, as is standard practice for most of the Autonomous Communities operating with a global grant.

The Commission is currently considering the practical scope of the Regional Government of Valencia's Decree of 2 November 2001 mentioned by the Honourable Member, in response to the complaints made by certain associations unsuccessful in the selection process. So that it can put its name to the agreement, the Commission will make the necessary approaches to the authorities to ensure that the legal requirements are complied with.

(1) Written answer of 9.4.2002.