Control of EU funding after alleged misconduct of NGO ‘Breaking the Silence’
21.4.2016
Question for written answer E-003188-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Antonio López-Istúriz White (PPE)
On 17 March 2016 Israel’s Channel 2 news programme aired an exposé showing activists from the NGO ‘Breaking the Silence’ (BtS) caught on camera trying to obtain sensitive information from veteran Israeli soldiers, including details of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) military tactics, operations and special equipment.
This programme created general consternation among Israeli public opinion, since it is not clear what BtS does with this information once it is obtained. It was also revealed that a former CEO allegedly engaged an activist to join a classified IDF unit in order to access inside information.
Taking into account this situation and considering that the EU is a major funding source for BtS, including through an ongoing project (contributing EUR 236 000) aimed at educating on human rights, I would ask the Commission:
- 1.Is the Commission/EEAS aware of such activities (collecting sensitive information, working from inside the IDF) on the part of BtS or any other EU-funded organisation?
- 2.How does the EU evaluate the partnership with BtS and its contribution to the Middle East Peace Process? Is due attention given to its effect on EU credibility?
- 3.Will the Commission/EEAS evaluate the impact of this on the continuity of the funding?