European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR)

8.1.2013

Question for written answer P-000062-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Emma McClarkin (ECR)

I have been informed of a disturbing development in the distribution of grants through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR). In 2008 the Aegis Trust, the world’s leading genocide prevention organisation, successfully applied for a grant of EUR 750 000 over a three-year period. Unfortunately the final amount due, EUR 54 458, has not been paid for a number of months despite the fact that the Aegis Trust has, on a number of occasions, requested this amount. Having contacted the relevant unit within the Commission I have been informed that the payment could not be finalised before the end of 2012 due to a lack of available payment appropriations against the EIDHR budget line during the last part of the year.

Does the Commission believe that it is appropriate for a small charity, which is already most of the way through its grant contract, to be put through this kind of scenario?

Can the Commission explain whether this is normal practice in such circumstances?

Is the Commission able to provide any information on when the charity is likely to receive its final payment?

Can the Commission assure me that this kind of shortfall in funding for grant contracts already underway will not happen in the future?

OJ C 340 E, 21/11/2013