Letter published in European Voice,
15-21 October 1998
Some recent media reports have given the impression
that there is no financial control within the EU institutions
and that is why there are cases of fraud.
As non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working
also in the field of emergency aid, we would like to comment on
the present events because they affect the credibility of the
EU and, indirectly, of all those who are co-operating with it.
The allegations of corruption concerning a civil
servant of ECHO, the European Commission Humanitarian Office,
have had political and media consequences which are having a negative
effect on the image of the considerable efforts by the European
humanitarian action, as a whole, in its efforts to save thousands
of lives among populations in distress.
Humanitarian actions by NGOs and other humanitarian
organisations (the Red Cross, United Nations agencies), although
conducted in difficult emergency situations on the ground, have
always been accountable. When these actions have been financed
partly or totally by ECHO, they have been carried out through
a rigorous framework partnership contract.
This agreement is based on a prior thorough
assessment of the partner's capability and accountability, subsequent
quick allocation of funds in emergencies and a detailed control
of expenditures ex post facto.
All documents are kept by NGOs in their headquarters
and made available for frequent audits (and evaluations and financial
controls) carried out by the Commission, as well as by national
authorities.
The European Parliament's proposal aimed at
putting in reserve all the allocations for emergency humanitarian
action in the EU budget for 1999 (which will be debated by the
Parliament on 20 October, with a vote on 22 October) remains unacceptable
for NGOs because it effectively means that future victims of disaster
are taken hostage.
To conclude, the new proposals to set up an
independent body to fight against fraud within the EU institutions
would seem to be an excellent way forward and one which would
be widely welcomed by NGOs active in humanitarian action and development
co-operation.
An external anti-fraud body can hopefully help
to combine both efficient management and greater transparency.
James Mackie
Executive Secretary
Liaison Committee of Development NGOs to the EU
Brussels
| 
