ROBERT STURDY MEP URGES EUROPEAN COMMISSIONER TO RECONSIDER FUNDING BLOCK
Euro-MP Robert Sturdy has urged the European Regional Policy Commissioner Danuta Hubner to reconsider a block on regeneration project funding for the UK, which has affected the Eastern Region. He has written to her saying:
I am writing to you to urge you to review the procedure for funding regeneration projects through the European Regional Development Fund. I represent the East Region, one of six regions in the UK affected by the decision to suspend the £1.2 billion still due to be paid out. By withholding the payments, the Commission is completely undermining the purpose of the ERDF- which aims to support development initiatives throughout the community. For many constituents these projects are the only evidence of a tangible benefit of the EU. This mismanagement not only reduces public confidence but will ultimately mean the most deprived areas, which rely on the economic benefits arising from regeneration projects, will suffer the most.
In January and February this year, the UK submitted additional information which was deemed unsatisfactory by the Commission. There is great confusion surrounding the current system. Surely it is in the Commissions interest to provide additional support to those member state authorities struggling with compliance- rather than simply cutting them off at the source?
The fact that the UK is the fourth member state to have funds frozen clearly shows that the current EU standards are too complicated. This needs to change to ensure the money gets to the projects which need it the most as quickly as possible.
I urge the Commission to take responsibility for this fiasco. Not just to the benefit of my region but in the interest of all memberstates attempting to access the funds they so rightfully deserve.
