Use of EU funds — Restoring common cultural heritage in south-east Europe
9.6.2017
Question for written answer P-003893-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
David McAllister (PPE)
The Franciscan monastery in Bač, Serbia, is of particular historical value because of its chequered history. It is currently at risk of water damage, however, and not open to the public.
The Commission and the Council of Europe are funding the renovation of the monastery through a joint initiative to restore cultural heritage in south-east Europe. The Preliminary Technical Assessment earmarked a total of EUR 2.1 million in investments for the Bač monastery, a second monastery and a joint museum.
I welcome this project to preserve cultural heritage.
There are reports, however, that the work is progressing only very slowly and that the funds are not being used transparently. What is more, it is not clear who is primarily responsible for the renovation project.
This prompts the following questions:
- 1.How much money has been approved and made available so far by the EU for the renovation work?
- 2.For what purpose were the funds intended and how are they actually being used?
- 3.Who is ultimately responsible for the renovation of the monastery?