MEP Zdechovsky Calls on EC to Review Funding for Playground in Havranec (2)

Brussels/Bratislava, 21 August (TASR) - Czech MEP Tomas Zdechovsky has asked the European Commission (EC) to review the funding of a children's playground in the village of Havranec (Presov region) where, according to media reports, an EU-funded subsidy worth almost €50,000 was provided by the Agricultural Payment Agency (PPA), despite the village having a population of around 15, the Czech MEP told TASR on Friday. Zdechovsky, a member of the European Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control, has therefore questioned the purpose, proportionality and cost-effectiveness of the project. "Supporting life in rural areas is undoubtedly important. However, European money must be used economically, transparently and wherever there is a demonstrable public need. A playground costing almost €50,000 in a municipality with around 15 inhabitants is a project that requires an explanation," said Zdechovsky, who's also asked the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) to examine the case. He wants the EC to identify which fund and programme financed the project, what was the share of the funding from European sources and what criteria were used by PPA in approving the application. The public need for the project, the price, expected use, the public procurement procedure and long-term sustainability should also be subject to review, said MEP. Zdechovsky also requested a probe into a possible conflict of interest or political favouritism in the selection of the project, stressing that he didn't want to accuse anyone in advance and that any potential wrongdoing should be assessed by the relevant supervisory and investigative authorities. The MEP also called on the EC to establish whether this was an isolated case or whether other projects with questionable cost-effectiveness or public benefit were approved under the same call and mechanism. "Every euro spent on an unnecessary or overpriced project is a euro missing from municipalities that are waiting for the repair of roads, schools, sewage systems or other necessary infrastructure," added Zdechovsky. According to Havranec Mayor Milan Scerba, who spoke to TASR, the municipality obtained the funding for the playground in a lawful manner by complying with the conditions of the call and by submitting a duly completed application. He said that the playground serves the purpose for which the funds were provided, namely the development of tourism and infrastructure in the territory of the Dukla local action group. "The playground is available to all children visiting the region. The tourist attraction known as the Death Valley, as well as Dukla and the Slovak National Uprising (SNP) Heroes Trail are located near the playground. The municipality is close to the border and is accessible to Polish tourists, while it also hopes to develop agritourism," said Scerba. He added that the playground is part of the development of rural infrastructure in order to help a depopulating region and make the countryside more attractive. "In our opinion, the whole affair was unnecessarily politicised and artificially blown out of proportion by opposition parties seeking political gain without even taking the trouble to establish the facts in the region," said Scerba, adding that the village will continue to strive to be an active part of the region to which it belongs. "We would be pleased if Mr Zdechovsky could find a way within the EC to help regions and municipalities like ours, so that rural areas can stop losing population and once again become attractive places to live," added Scerba. NOTE: This story has been extended to include the final five paragraphs. jrg