Brussels, 30/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 29 March, MEPs called on the Council to ensure that the new European Fund for Democracy (FEDEM), which is granted as a priority to neighbouring states, will allow the Union to adopt a more strategic and political approach for supporting democracy.
In the report by Alexander Graf Lambsdorff (ALDE, Germany) adopted without any amendments, the Parliament underlines that the fund must provide tailor-made assistance that is flexible and responsive, and which listens to the needs of beneficiaries and is likely to be swiftly reprogrammed. It must also grant subsidies to beneficiaries directly.
The Parliament explains that the work of this fund must complete that of the financial instruments already in existence, including the European instrument for democracy and human rights, and that it must be in synergy with and complementary to those of the member states and organisations that it finances “through close cooperation and the creation of partnerships, while avoiding duplication”.
MEPs also want the FEDEM to have a “transparent and open governance structure” coordinated with the European External Action Service. They hope to have extended power of political oversight over the activities of the fund, and be involved in its creation, its establishment and its operation. (CG/transl.jl)