The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is expected to adopt an opinion that might answer to some of the concerns raised up by Churches and civil society organisations on the topic of access to EU Funding.
(Credit: COMECE)
Complex administrative procedures, language barriers, short time-frames, cash-flow problems, as well as the difficulty for funding small-medium projects, are some of the issues that the non-binding EESC document is expected to address.
In a recent EU Parliament panel debate, COMECE analysed the current EU legal framework and practice and underlined the opportunities offered by its legislation on funding for development, highlighting the important contribution of Churches and religious communities or associations to the common good.
As stated in a recently adopted report of the DEVE Committee of the EU parliament, they are “among the frontline and long-standing operational field actors in the provision of development and humanitarian assistance” and should be considered as eligible for EU funds in accordance to EU Law, with no discriminatory treatment on the ground of religion.
COMECE expects the EESC to explicitly recognize the important role and contribution of Churches and faith-based organizations to the well-being of societies, and the need to improve procedures and decisions allowing friendly financial access by Churches.