Mînzatu defends EU fund rules in response to Pappas question on Qualco sponsorship of women's basketball team

Executive Vice-President Mînzatu, in a written answer on 2 July 2026, defended the existing EU framework for fund oversight while acknowledging the Commission's supervisory role, responding to a question from Nikos Pappas (The Left) about Qualco's sponsorship of the Athinaikos WBC women's basketball team. The answer clarifies that EU funds are subject to strict transparency, audit, and control rules, and that Member States bear primary responsibility for compliance, though the Commission retains corrective powers under the RRF Regulation. Mînzatu stated that sponsorship by a public-contract beneficiary does not automatically imply irregular use of EU funds, and that state aid assessment requires a case-by-case examination by the Member State. The answer offers no concrete new measures beyond referencing the forthcoming Communication on reinforcing the European Sport Model, which will address good governance, transparency, and solidarity. This leaves stakeholders—including smaller sports clubs, public contractors, and national authorities—with limited immediate clarity on how the Commission will prevent perceived distortions of competition in sports sponsorship. The response signals a cautious, procedural approach, deferring to Member States on enforcement and to future policy documents for any substantive changes.