Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, in a written answer on 9 July 2026, denied that French company POMA receives EU funding for developing cable car lines in El Salvador, clarifying that EU financing covers only technical assistance and pre-investment studies for sustainable transport in the San Salvador Metropolitan Area. The answer, responding to a question from MEP Per Clausen (The Left), reaffirms that all EU cooperation actions in El Salvador are designed and implemented in accordance with EU Regulation 2021/947, with human rights, rule of law and governance risks considered and monitored throughout. Síkela stressed that transparency is a core principle, noting that the pre-investment assistance emphasises governance, accountability and public participation, including engagement with civil society organisations. Any future investment operation would be subject to comprehensive due diligence and appropriate public transparency requirements. The Commission coordinates with partners to monitor respect for fundamental values, feeding into political and sectoral dialogues with Salvadorian authorities. The answer does not provide a specific timeline for the conclusion of the studies or for any subsequent investment decision, nor does it detail how the Commission will address the lack of public transparency raised by the MEP beyond general commitments. The response signals the Commission's position that existing conditionality and monitoring frameworks are sufficient, while leaving open the possibility of future investment subject to due diligence. Institutional follow-up is expected through continued EU-Salvador dialogues and potential parliamentary scrutiny if a concrete investment proposal emerges.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byPer Clausen (The Left)