WRITTEN QUESTION No. 4056/98 by Manuel ESCOLÁ HERNANDO Spanish Association Against Cancer
Date: 1999-01-04
Institutions: ESCOLA HERNANDO, European Parliament
Subjects: EU aid, EU control, Latin America, Spain, association, cancer, fraud, fund (EU), management, suspension of aid

C 289/120

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.10.1999

(1999/C 289/158)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-4056/98

by Manuel Escolá Hernando (ARE) to the Commission

Subject: Spanish Association Against Cancer

(4 January 1999)

The Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) has hitherto been the body responsible for managing the
ECU 15 million granted by the Commission in 1996 to implement the programme to fight cancer in Latin
America known as LICC.

The Commission recently detected a financial gap and irregularities in the management of the above
Community funds during 1996 and 1997.

In view of those irregularities, the Commission decided temporarily to suspend payment of the amount
awarded to the Spanish Association Against Cancer and still pending, approximately ECU 10 million.

Bearing in mind the importance of the various forms of aid granted by the European Union for developing
countries, and in this case specifically for the implementation of programmes to fight cancer in Latin America,
and in view of the fact that these funds are currently frozen, does the Commission plan, in the event that the
problem persists, to use the amount earmarked for the Spanish Association Against Cancer but temporarily
suspended for the purpose for which it was intended, that is to help cancer victims in Latin America, if
necessary through a different body?

If so, when will the sums concerned be released, and through what body?

Can the Commission provide detailed information on the reasons which led to the funds being frozen, and can
it give a progress report on the assessments and hearings in which it is currently engaged?

Answer given by Mr Marín on behalf of the Commission

(19 February 1999)

In 1996, the Commission set aside 13,3 million euros to finance the ‘Latin America Against Cancer’
programme. The Spanish Association Against Cancer (AECC) contributes 1,5 million euros to the total budget
of 15 million euros.

The financing convention signed between the Commission and the Association of Latin American Leagues
Against Cancer (ALICC) gives the latter responsibility for implementing the cooperation project. ALICC
represents a group of 21 leagues or associations against cancer, most of which are Latin American. The
presidency is currently held by the AECC, which also directs the project. The AECC is not, however,
responsible for managing the European contribution.

During the first of the periodic external assessments provided for by the financing convention, the
Commission detected weaknesses in the management of Community funds for the ‘Latin America Against
Cancer’ programme during 1996 and 1997. In the light of these findings the Commission requested an audit.
The initial stage of the audit revealed that ALICC needed to make several adjustments to the administration of
the project’s finances. The second stage, presently under way, will complete the auditing process. It will check
that ALICC has followed the previous recommendations and decide whether further Community funds can be
released.

It should be noted that the programme is designed to prevent cancer in Latin America. Its action programme
aims to coordinate public health policies by raising awareness amongst public authorities, and to promote the
early diagnosis of certain types of cancer which greatly affect society. It also plans to inform and educate the
general public, and to train medical workers and all those involved in the education process.

It does not concern the financing of patient treatment or research and it is for this reason that Latin American
national leagues have been chosen as partners.