EU grant applications for twinning committees

6.11.2015

Question for written answer E-014509-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jean-Paul Denanot (S&D)

Twinning projects play a crucial role in the process of building a civic-minded Europe. They enable communities to meet and exchange ideas and, over time, develop close ties.

I would like to draw the Commission's attention to the cumbersome nature of the grant application process. The documents are mostly available only in English, and can only be filled in online (which can be problematic for many volunteers, who lack time and resources). Unnecessarily detailed and sometimes irrelevant information has to be provided, and applicants are kept largely in the dark about the decision-making process and its outcomes. Applying for a grant involves considerable effort, which often goes unrewarded; only one in ten applications is ultimately approved.

How does the Commission intend to simplify the process and make funding for twinning projects — which are essential to creating a sense of European citizenship — accessible to everyone?