NGOs and an EU-wide approach to transparency rules
12.3.2020
Question for written answer E-001569/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Eva Kaili (S&D)
About 80% of European sources of funding for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are known to be managed by the Member States themselves. The remaining percentage is managed by the Commission or other EU institutions.
Specifically as regards the refugee problem, some NGOs appear to be covertly orchestrating the outbreaks of violence in the refugee camps. Typically, in Mytilene (Lesbos) in 2016 the presence of 115 NGOs was registered, staffed by about 8 000 volunteers, while more recently about 17 NGOs have been operating in the centre of Moria. Some of them have in the past been linked to profiteering activities, and appear to be helping organised gangs trafficking migrants. Other NGOs appear to be operating under the auspices of international organisations which, while co-managing funds, do not appear to be accountable for the proper use of these funds. Given that they receive large sums of money, although ordinary citizens and the media doubt whether they are effective and whether they are using their resources properly - owing to events such as those in Moria - will the Commission say:
Is there a plan for an EU-wide solution with rules on the transparency of NGOs and the proper use of their financial resources?
Is there a plan for drawing up an EU-wide list regarding the credentials and transparency of NGOs operating on European territory, indicating which of them are under investigation by OLAF?