By Martin Banks - 3rd October 2011
The money is available and can be allocated if we can get the political accord
Dacian Ciolos
The commission has launched new efforts to safeguard food supplies for some of the most deprived people in Europe.
The EU 'Aid for the needy' scheme, which provides food for as many as 18 million people, faces a drastic cut in spending next year following a court ruling in April.
On Monday, in a new effort to overcome a deadlock with member states, the commission put forward a proposal to allow the scheme to continue in 2012 and 2013.
One of the amendments proposed will add a "second legal base" while another change is to remove the proposed provision for co-financing the scheme in future.
Earlier proposals to avoid this problem were tabled by the commission and have been backed by parliament and a number of member states but the dossier remains blocked.
The latest move was announced by László Andor, EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion said, "In today's difficult economic climate, solidarity must remain a key element in Europe's social engagement."
He added: "Hunger in the EU is simply not acceptable. I am confident that today's proposal will help avoid dramatic cuts in resources for organisations providing food to deprived people.
"With the winter campaigns about to start, we need to make progress fast and I call on member states to do the necessary to get this programme back on track".
His comments were endorsed by Dacian Ciolos, EU commissioner for agriculture and rural development.
He said, "I am particularly concerned by the stalemate over this dossier, especially at this time of economic crisis.
"With the change in the legal base, we hope to address the problems seen by some member states for the programme in the short-term.
"Discussion of the scheme after 2013 will come at a later date. In response to calls from parliament and certain member states, we have also moved on the proposed co-funding element.
"We now call on member states to take their responsibility with regard to the millions of needy citizens around the EU who are waiting for a decision by member states before the winter period.
"The money is available and can be allocated if we can get the political accord."
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