In a written answer on 31 July 2026, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela defended the EU's cooperation programme in Nicaragua, insisting that no funds reach the government of Daniel Ortega and that all projects remain active despite the country's deteriorating democratic and human rights situation. The answer, responding to a parliamentary question from Jorge Martín Frías of the Patriots for Europe group, seeks to reassure that EU money directly benefits vulnerable populations, including women, farmers, cooperatives, and indigenous communities, while avoiding any strengthening of regime-linked structures.
Síkela detailed that EU funding is channelled exclusively through non-governmental implementing partners, such as Member States' agencies, international organisations, and civil society groups with a strong local presence. He stressed that no budgetary support is provided to public institutions and that all actions are subject to the Commission's control mechanisms, including regular monitoring, independent audits, and scrutiny of expenditure eligibility. The Commissioner confirmed that no project has been suspended, but acknowledged that the strategy and design of actions have been adjusted to the evolving political and operational context to maximise support to communities affected by poverty, exclusion, and vulnerability.
The answer follows a previous Commission response to written question E-000104/2026/rev.1, which disclosed that EUR 22.9 million had been disbursed between January 2021 and January 2026 but did not specify the destination or beneficiaries. Frías's question pressed for details on whether any funds had indirectly reached regime-controlled entities and whether the Commission had reconsidered cooperation in light of human rights concerns. Síkela's reply does not provide a breakdown of funding by implementing partner, nor does it indicate any formal review or suspension of programmes, instead emphasising the EU's continued engagement through non-state actors.
The response reflects a policy orientation that prioritises direct support to civil society and local communities over engagement with state institutions, a stance consistent with the EU's broader approach in countries with authoritarian governments. However, the absence of any suspension or formal review may draw criticism from those who argue that continued cooperation, even through non-governmental channels, could be perceived as tacit acceptance of the regime's legitimacy. The Commission's commitment to adjust project design rather than halt operations suggests a pragmatic approach aimed at preserving humanitarian and development impact while avoiding direct government involvement.
Stakeholders most affected include Nicaraguan civil society organisations and local communities, who benefit from continued EU funding but may face increased scrutiny from the regime; EU Member States' agencies and international organisations, which serve as implementing partners and bear the administrative burden of ensuring compliance; and the Ortega government, which is excluded from direct funding but may view the EU's continued presence as an external influence. The Commission itself must balance its development objectives with political and reputational risks, as any perceived failure to prevent fund misuse could undermine its credibility. The answer provides no timeline for future reviews, leaving the door open for adjustments should the political context further deteriorate.