WRITTEN QUESTION E-3672/01 by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission. Development of administrative structures in the Czech Republic.
Date: 2002-01-17
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Czechia, Structural Funds, administrative structures, corruption, public administration, use of aid

18.7.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 172 E/109

to the affected area, dead animals are to be found in the vicinity of the drying kiln. Although the drying
kiln does not have a municipal licence and its owner has previously been convicted of environmental
offences, the spillage is continuing to pose a serious threat to the protected habitats and species in the
park.

The drying kiln in Revolta is one more threat to the park’s environment, which is already subject to severe
pressures. One half of the bird species nesting in the park have disappeared, while numerous other species,
including fish, are under threat from intensive farming, including the dumping of pesticides.

What steps will the Commission take vis-à-vis the Spanish authorities to end the threats to the Pego-Oliva
marshland and ensure adequate protection of this nature zone?

(1) OJ C 27 E, 29.1.2000, p. 109.
(2) OJ C 341, 29.11.1999, p. 97.
(3) OJ C 142, 21.5.1999, p. 68.
(4) OJ C 187, 16.6.1998, p. 64.
(5) OJ C 134, 30.4.1998, p. 23.
(6) OJ C 356, 25.11.1996, p. 33.
(7) OJ C 134 E, 6.6.2002.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(4 March 2002)

The Commission would refer the Honourable Member to its answer to written question E-2897/01 (1) on
the action it has taken to prevent the deterioration of the Pego-Oliva marshes in Spain.

The Commission would point out that it has examined the problem of the deterioration of these marshes
several times. During the investigation, questions were put to the Spanish authorities to check whether
Community law was being correctly applied. The replies were carefully examined and there was no reason
to conclude that the implementing legislation had been infringed.

The new information provided by the Honourable Member in her written question does not show that the
activities concerned will have a significant negative effect on this protected area. Therefore, in the absence
of more detailed information indicating that the Spanish authorities have failed to fulfil their obligations
under Community law, the Commission is unable to intervene again in this case.

(1) OJ C 134 E, 6.6.2002.

(2002/C 172 E/113)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3672/01

by Daniela Raschhofer (NI) to the Commission

(17 January 2002)

Subject: Development of administrative structures in the Czech Republic

In its 2001 report on the Czech Republic’s progress towards accession the Commission considered that the
necessary structures and administrative capacity for utilising the structural funds needed to be set up and
developed. It was of decisive importance that the capacity of the administrative bodies be improved, in
order to enable the Czech Republic to manage Structural Fund aid without difficulty. The Commission also
ascertained that corruption is causing serious concern, especially in State administration.

The Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper was even more negative about the development of administrative
capacity for the receipt of funding from the Structural Funds and the Cohesion Fund in its report No 287
of December 2001, in which it stated that a start had not even been made.

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Official Journal of the European Communities

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18.7.2002

1.

How large is the actual deficit with regard to the development of administrative structures?

2. What period of time does the Commission estimate necessary for the completion of national
structures?

3.

Is it likely that the structures will be effectively completed before 2004?

If not, how would the Commission propose finding a solution for the proper utilisation of funding in

4.
the Czech Republic?

How does the Commission intend to combat corruption in State administration independently from

5.
OLAF, whose work is dependent on reports from Member States?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(18 February 2002)

1.
The administrative structures relevant to the management of the Structural Funds are not yet fully
operational in all candidate countries, including the Czech Republic. The Commission is fully aware of this
situation, and has consistently encouraged the Czech authorities to define its implementation structures
the managing and paying authorities for the future
and proceed quickly with the nomination of
Community Support Framework. The need to reinforce staff where necessary has also been acknowledged.
In addition, the Commission has particularly stressed the need for the Czech Republic to develop an
appropriate pipeline of projects, which could be eligible for financing under the Structural and Cohesion
Funds. To that end, support has been allocated from the PHARE programme to increase the country’s
absorption capacity. Within the context of the negotiations under Chapter 21 ? Regional Policy ? the
Commission will closely monitor the development of an adequate administrative capacity and will assist
the Czech authorities in identifying the specific areas that need further targeted support through the pre-
accession instruments at its disposal.

The years 2002 and 2003 will be crucial

2.
the
appointment of the managing and paying authorities is supported by an adequate allocation of resources
both in terms of financial means and human resources to make these administrative structures fully
operational by the time of accession. Several twinning projects will be financed by the Commission to help
in this effort, and are already bringing the elements together to encourage concerted moves towards tighter
co-ordination and management.

is especially important

in that regard.

that

It

3.
The Commission is aware that the completion of the preparations in terms of administrative
structures before 2004 represents a significant amount of work. However, a lot of progress has been
achieved in recent years with the creation of
the
establishment of the Ministry of Regional Development, while the experience gained from the pre-
accession instruments (PHARE, ISPA, Sapard) has been also extremely valuable. Therefore, the Czech
Republic should be able to complete the structures by 2004 if it continues and deepens its efforts.

the regions and the territorial

reorganisation,

4.
If the administrative structures required for the operation of the Structural Funds according to
Council Regulation (EC) No 1260/1999 of 21 June 1999 laying down general provisions on the Structural
Funds (1) do not ensure the proper use of Community funds the Czech Republic will then be treated like
any other Member State. This means that the Czech Republic would not then be able to fully benefit from
the Community funds it could be eligible for. The Commission is currently concentrating its efforts at
monitoring and assistance to precisely prevent such a situation from arising.

The Commission is concerned with the problem of corruption in the Candidate Countries, including
5.
the Czech Republic. However, the Czech authorities have introduced significant legislative and adminis-
trative steps to intensify the fight against corruption and economic crime. In relation to the use of
Community funds, the Supreme Audit Office, a state body of the Czech Republic, has been more assertive
in its controlling activities, and has developed a working relationship with the European Anti-Fraud Office
(OLAF). The Commission has consistently encouraged the Czech Government to introduce a Civil Service
Act, which would strengthen the professionalism and independence of civil servants and act as an effective
deterrent.

(1) OJ L 161, 26.6.1999.