THE EUROPEAN OMBUDSMAN
P. NIKIFOROS DIAMANDOUROS
EO/05/11
28 July 2005
Commission agrees to settle grant dispute
with an association based in France
The European Ombudsman, P. Nikiforos Diamandouros, welcomed the decision by the European
Commission to settle a dispute over a grant given to an association based in France. Following the
Ombudsman's intervention, the Commission agreed to reduce by almost EUR 8 000 its request for
repayment from the organisation. As the Commission itself observed "By taking account of the
beneficiary’s correspondence sent after the case had been closed, the Commission demonstrated
sincerity and goodwill towards the association. It considers that it worked with this association with a
spirit of openness and conciliation whilst also respecting the rules." The Ombudsman welcomes this
approach and endorses it.
The case
The complainant's association (the European Social Action Network) received financial support from
the Commission totalling EUR 46 950 to organise a social forum entitled "Europe is what we make it:
together for better governance". Following an audit of the project, the Commission requested
repayment of EUR 14 025, which corresponded to ineligible expenditure.
The complainant disputed this request for repayment. He considered that the Commission had not
taken into account, or even acknowledged receipt of, additional information and supporting documents
he had submitted.
The Commission argued that, after examining all of the documents, it could not accept them, as the
complainant had not provided any evidence of the costs incurred. The complainant subsequently
provided some supporting documents that had previously been requested by the auditors (in particular
boarding cards and travel invoices). The Commission then reopened the case, took account of the
conclusive evidence and reduced the amount to be repaid from EUR 14 025 to EUR 6 036.
The complainant thanked the Ombudsman for his assistance in the matter.
The Ombudsman's decision can be found on his website, at the following address:
http://www.euro-ombudsman.eu.int/decision/en/042842.htm
For further information, please call Ms Elodie Belfy, tel. +32 2 284 39 01.
The European Ombudsman
1, avenue du Président Robert Schuman. F-67001 STRASBOURG Cedex. B.P. 403
Tel. +33.(0)388.17.23.13 - Fax. +33(0)388.17.90.62 - e-mail: euro-ombudsman@europarl.eu.int
Website: http://www.euro-ombudsman.eu.int