EU aid to Palestine
22.3.2013
Question for written answer E-003303-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Roger Helmer (EFD)
The EU is, according to the European External Action Service’s website, the largest donor of financial assistance to the Palestinian Authority[1], and therefore has considerable responsibility.
While there is little doubt that Palestinians experience hardship and assistance is needed, it is also alleged that the Palestinian Authority continues to misappropriate funds:
- 1.What measures have been taken by the Commission to address the recommendations made by the OLAF report of 2004[2]?
- 2.Can the Commission provide evidence that EU aid funds can no longer be misappropriated by the Palestinian Authority?
While I am aware that basic data is provided on EU grants to Palestine, I am also informed that substantial documentation on grants relating to organisations involved in the Arab-Israeli conflict remains hidden. Can the Commission explain why there is a lack of transparency in this instance?
- [1] http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/westbank/eu_westbank/political_relations/index_en.htm
- [2] http://ec.europa.eu/anti_fraud/media-corner/press-releases/press-releases/2005/20050317_01_en.htm
OJ C 12 E, 16/01/2014