WRITTEN QUESTION P-0394/02 by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission. European aid for development projects in the south of Monagas, Venezuela.
Date: 2002-02-08
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: EU aid, Venezuela, aid system, development aid, economic development, regional development, social development

14.11.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 277 E/41

It should be borne in mind that the average prices of tomatoes in the Community have been higher than
the preferential entry price threshold since December, a fact which appears to indicate that imports of
Moroccan tomatoes have not had a negative effect on prices, the variability of which may in fact be the
result of internal fluctuations in Community production.

Accordingly, while the Council believes it has managed to find an equitable solution,
vigilant, particularly as regards the difficulties the Honourable Member describes.

it will remain

(1) OJ L 70, 18.3.2000, p. 1.
(2) See Regulation (EC) No 2264/2001 (OJ L 305, 22.11.2001, p. 20).

(2002/C 277 E/043)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0394/02

by Hanja Maij-Weggen (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(8 February 2002)

Subject: European aid for development projects in the south of Monagas, Venezuela

In what way is the European Commission involved in the development programme in the south of the
State of Monagas in Venezuela, including Barrancas, which is reported to be costing somewhere around
€ 10 million, and what is the precise substance of and the Commission’s contribution to that programme?

Is the Commission aware of reports that local organisations are not being sufficiently involved in the
project and that the project in Barrancas is being thwarted by political forces?

Why is the project currently stalled, and what is the Commission doing to help re-start it?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(14 March 2002)

The Commission and Venezuela signed the Financing Agreement for the project ‘Support Programme for
the socio-economic Development of the southern region of Monagas’ at the end 2000. The total cost of
the project is € 10 000 000, the Community contribution being € 5 000 000. The direct beneficiaries are
three municipalities: Libertador, Sotillo (the capital of which is Barrancas), and Uracoa. The project
includes four components: institutional modernisation and capacity building, land-use planning, streng-
thening of human resource training services, and social development.

Local representatives were consulted and involved in the process of identifying the project; meetings were
indigenous organisations, the Catholic Church, and municipal
held with neighbourhood associations,
authorities. Local organisations will also be involved in all the phases of the Project Cycle as is foreseen in
the Financing Agreement. The local authority is currently preparing a socio-economic analysis of the
region, which will be ready before the start of implementation. The Commission is not aware of any
attempts by political forces to impede grassroot participation in the project and would welcome any
information the Honourable Member may have in this respect.

Project implementation is expected to begin in a few months. The Commission is in the final phase of
evaluation of the offers that were made in response to its call for tender.