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:

 

For further information, please call Ms Elodie Belfy, tel. +32 2 284 39 01.