news/resources
EUROPE NEWS/RESOURCES
may 2005
"The EU-NGO Relationship" – report launched at ECP meeting
The European Union's relationship with non-governmental organisations has grown in scope and importance over the years. However, there is a risk of a serious deterioration in the relationship, as a result of the increasingly onerous financial procedures and controls being imposed by the EU, especially the Commission, on NGOs with negative impacts on efficiency and transparency. This report, by an independent expert, proposes detailed changes in the current financial regulations and implementing rules. The report was launched at a meeting orga nised by the European Policy Centre on 26 April. Participants called on the Commission to engage in a dialogue with the NGO community on the reform of the existing financial regulation in order to avoid repeating the errors of the past. The role of the European Parliament in facilitating this process was recognised as essential.
Download 87-page report with executive summary...
EC President welcomes cooperation with European foundations
José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Commission, has stressed his interest in working with European foundations to mobilise support for the European project. This cooperation would focus on the key areas of culture; science and research; and promoting synergies to advance the Millennium Development Goals, in particular by working with the Centre’s Europe in the World initiative. He has also noted his wish to pursue the development of a European Statute for Foundations for those foundations working across borders. These statements came at a meeting with EFC members held on May 17th 2005 at the European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels.
