Strasbourg, 22/07/2014

Own-initiative inquiry OII/8/2014/AN

Dear Mr Kjaerum,

It is my pleasure to inform you that, on 5 May 2014, I opened an own-initiative inquiry into the respect for fundamental rights in the European Union's cohesion policy. My own-initiative inquiry focuses on the Commission's role in ensuring that EU funding is used in ways that comply with the Charter of Fundamental Rights.

The Fundamental Rights Agency plays an essential role in the promotion of a human rights culture across the European Union and has invaluable expertise in this area. I would, therefore, warmly welcome your cooperation, and would like to invite the Fundamental Rights Agency to contribute to my above own-initiative inquiry.

Attached to this letter, please find a copy of the letter opening my own-initiative inquiry, which I have sent to the Commission.

Yours sincerely,

Emily O'Reilly

Cc: Mr Dennis VAN DER VEUR, Head of Sector Cooperation with EU Institutions and EU Member States