Answer given by Mr Lenarčič on behalf of the European Commission
28.7.2021
The Commission is aware of the media reports concerning Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW), Islamic Relief Germany (IRG) and Islamic Relief Sweden, as well as of the German Government answers of 2017 and 2019 to questions from members of the Bundestag regarding ‘personal ties’ of some former representatives[1] of IRG and IRW with the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas, and the ban of IRW by Israel authorities in 2014[2].
The Commission does not tolerate support for terrorism or antisemitism, in line with established legislation and policies[3], and will immediately take action should it become aware of any proven evidence in this respect.
As a matter of principle, the Commission takes a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to any misconduct by partner organisations receiving EU funds.
The Commission works with humanitarian non-governmental organisations (NGOs). These are pre-selected on the basis of criteria identified in the Humanitarian Aid Regulation[4], the Financial Regulation[5] and international best practices[6], before being able to apply for EU humanitarian funding. All partners must abide by strict ethical and professional rules.
The Commission regularly monitors and audits all partners to ensure their continued compliance with those standards. The Commission is ready to cease funding any organisation which does not abide by the required high ethical and professional rules and standards, as stated in the applicable contractual arrangements with them.
The Commission’s Early Detection and Exclusion System (EDES) allows for excluding from Union funding entities linked to terrorist activities[7]. Additionally, all entities implementing EU funds are subject to EU restrictive measures (EURM)[8]. An entity sanctioned by EURM is prohibited from receiving EU funding.
- [1] To the best of the Commission’s knowledge the individuals in senior positions (former trustees and director) through whom said ‘personal ties’ may have existed have no longer any involvement with IRG and IRW.
- [2] The Commission is also aware of the ongoing court proceedings in Israel challenging this decision of the Israeli Ministry of Defence: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/27/islamic-relief-to-contest-israeli-terrorism-allegations-in-court.
- [3] The condoning, denial or gross trivialisation of the Holocaust is prohibited by means of criminal law through the framework Decision 2008/913/JHA https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32008F0913&from=EN . The Commission uses the non-legally binding IHRA working definition of antisemitism as a basis for its work on combating antisemitism. The 2020 Council Declaration on mainstreaming the fight against antisemitism across policy areas https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/47065/st13637-en20.pdf .
- [4] Council Regulation (EC) No 1257/96 of 20 June 1996 concerning humanitarian aid, OJ L 163, 2.7.1996, p. 1.
- [5] Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012, OJ L 193, 30.7.2018, p. 1.
- [6] In particular, for what relates to internal control systems, ethical standards, antifraud, anti-corruption and safeguarding policies. See more here: https://www.dgecho-partners-helpdesk.eu/ngo/humanitarian-partnership-2021-2027/how-to-become-a-partner
- [7] Article 136(1)(d) of the Financial Regulation.
- [8] Article 215 on the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, account being taken of international humanitarian law in the specific case of humanitarian aid.