Funding ‘spent in violation of rights’

Some EU funds are being used in ways that violate basic human rights, European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly found when investigating how €350bn six-year structural funds were used.

A segregated neighbourhood for Roma; discrimination against women’s groups; job creation programmes for women; and institutions for those with disabilities instead of community-based services, were some of the ways member states spent EU money designed to create jobs, reduce poverty, and tackle social exclusion.

Ms O’Reilly made eight proposals to the Commission, including more frequent and thorough on-the-spot inspections; an online site where people can report fund abuses and violations of fundamental rights; strictly apply sanctions to countries that breach the rules; ensure national redress systems work; and provide training on fundamental rights.