Illegal activity of the Centre Maurits Coppieters
29.9.2017
Question for written answer E-006101-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Beatriz Becerra Basterrechea (ALDE)
The programme of the Centre Maurits Coppieters Foundation, attached to the European Free Alliance (ALE), sets out a number of objectives that are in line with the ideological freedom recognised under EC law (Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union).
However, this foundation, which receives EU funding, is focusing its activity on promoting the referendum called by the autonomous government of Catalonia for 1 October, which the Constitutional Court has declared to be illegal. In addition, the Speaker of the Parliament of Catalonia, Carme Forcadell, responsible for having infringed the rules of the chamber in order to silence the opposition, is about to receive this foundation’s annual award.
Bearing in mind that its activity may constitute a crime, for having promoted a referendum declared illegal by the Spanish courts, and considering that regulation (EC) No 2004/2003 requires that it should respect democracy and the rule of law in its activities in order to receive funding from the EU budget, can the Commission answer the following questions:
- 1.Does it have any proof that the funds received by the Centre Maurits Coppieters are being earmarked for the objectives set out in its political programme rather than for the promotion of an illegal act?
- 2.Can it give details of the amount of the subsidies received by this foundation?
- 3.Will it call for a review of the subsidies granted to this foundation to be carried out as a matter of urgency in view of the breach of the abovementioned regulation?