The EU food aid programme as a campaign tool

8.2.2018

Question for written answer P-000813-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Csaba Molnár (S&D)

The Hungarian press has recently been reporting on the scandal of members of the governing party distributing packages from the EU food aid programme as part of their campaigning for the country’s parliamentary elections to be held in two months’ time. Although most of the assistance comes from the EU, the Hungarian Government does not mention this in its official journal, stating that: ‘The strength of the Hungarian economy makes it possible for families with young children to receive help beyond what is offered by the family support system and in addition to social benefits.’ Although the packages bear the Széchényi 2020 and EU logos, a proportionally much larger message reads: ‘This package comes to you and your family from the Government of Hungary’.

Does the Commission consider the procedure whereby the Hungarian Government makes it appear that aid packages are available solely thanks to itself to be in order?

Is it ethical for the Government to use the outcome of a programme to help people in need in an election campaign without stressing the significance of EU support?

Should the Hungarian Government be expected to show the significance of EU support in a way proportionate to its size when implementing this programme and others like it?