Commissioner Michael McGrath has clarified that external experts play an advisory role in the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values (CERV) programme, with final funding decisions resting solely with an evaluation committee composed of Commission and agency staff. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from MEP Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE), McGrath detailed the multi-layered evaluation process, aiming to reassure stakeholders about its transparency and integrity.
The answer, published on 29 April 2026, responds to concerns about potential discrepancies between expert scores and agency decisions. McGrath explained that each proposal is independently assessed by two experts, who produce separate evaluation reports, and a third expert drafts a consensus report. However, the evaluation committee—comprising only Commission and European Education and Culture Executive Agency staff—reviews all reports, analyses proposals, and drafts the Evaluation Summary Report, which ranks proposals up to the available budget.
McGrath emphasised that experts do not have decision-making authority. The committee can adjust scores or rankings based on its analysis, but must document the merits and shortcomings of each proposal and the decisions taken. This ensures traceability and transparency, he said.
On the question of which assessment prevails when experts and the agency disagree, McGrath stated that the evaluation committee's decision is final, as it is responsible for the selection and award of proposals under the CERV regulation. The committee's ranking determines funding, with budgetary constraints taken into account.
The answer provides concrete procedural details, including the use of a corporate expert contract and a Code of Conduct requiring impartiality and confidentiality. McGrath also noted that experts are selected from a Commission database based on expertise, experience, and conflict-of-interest checks.
This clarification comes amid broader debates about transparency in EU funding programmes. The CERV programme, established by Regulation (EU) 2021/692, supports projects promoting citizens' rights, equality, and EU values. The Commission's response signals a commitment to maintaining rigorous oversight while allowing flexibility for the evaluation committee to ensure optimal allocation of funds.