Enforcement of the European code of conduct on partnership within the framework of the European Structural and Investment Funds in Hungary

12.12.2014

Question for written answer E-010623-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Monika Vana (Verts/ALE) , José Bové (Verts/ALE) , Bart Staes (Verts/ALE) , Igor Šoltes (Verts/ALE) , Davor Škrlec (Verts/ALE) , Bronis Ropė (Verts/ALE) , Terry Reintke (Verts/ALE) , Karima Delli (Verts/ALE)

In preparing the Partnership Agreement and operational programmes for Hungary, the national authorities refused admission to partners as defined under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1303/2013. In many cases, civil society organisations (CSOs) have not been informed as to whether their proposals concerning the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds have been taken into consideration. Instead of strengthening the institutional capacity of CSOs in line with the European Social Fund (ESF) Regulation and technical assistance opportunities, the Hungarian Government has stopped funding CSOs whose views do not always coincide with its own.

Funding for CSOs from individuals and companies has also dwindled, mostly owing to fear of retaliation from the government. The possibility for CSOs to be involved in programming, as required under Article 5, has been seriously undermined.

1. Does the Commission believe that the requirements set out in Article 5 have been fulfilled, and that the Hungarian authorities have implemented the Partnership Agreement with due respect for all their obligations?

2. How will the Commission ensure the full application of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) No 240/2014 on the European code of conduct on partnership (ECCP)?

3. What measures does the Commission intend to take to prevent future violations of the ECCP in Hungary?