European subsidies for ENAR

26.6.2012

Question for written answer E-006360/2012
to the Commission
Rule 117
Frank Vanhecke (EFD)

The answer to a previous parliamentary question (E-004187/2012) indicates that, in 2009, 2010 and 2011 respectively, the Commission gifted the European Network Against Racism EUR 961 300.47, EUR 967 553.88 and EUR 983 983 in European subsidies. The organisation is wholly dependent on European support.

A glance at the Belgian section of ENAR shows that its homepage is written exclusively in English and that all the reports are in French. This displays little respect towards the Flemings, who are the majority population group in Belgium. It is also remarkable that the organisation opposes any attempt to tighten up Belgian legislation on nationality and immigration.

The website also informs us that ENAR Belgium consists almost exclusively of aliens’ and refugees’ organisations plus the Walloon and Flemish socialist trade union.

Is the Commission aware that the reports of the Belgian section of the organisation which it subsidises so generously are available only in French? Does the Commission regard this as acceptable? What steps will the Commission take in this connection? Does the Commission consider the composition of the Belgian section to be balanced, with proportional representation of all political convictions and philosophical currents in the country? Will the Commission urge greater diversity upon it, and — in view of the generous subsidies — will the Commission step up its oversight of the organisation?

OJ C 183 E, 28/06/2013