MEP Mullooly calls for greater trust in community groups

Ciaran Mullooly MEP urged the European Commission to demonstrate greater trust in community groups that are actively working to enhance and develop local resources.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Brussels today, he highlighted both the successes and challenges faced by community-led projects that have availed of EU funding.

Based on these insights, MEP Mullooly put forward key demands to ensure that EU funding delivers "real, tangible benefits to rural communities."

He called for upfront funding for "proven" community groups with a "track record of successfully implementing EU-funded projects," who he believes should be entrusted to manage their own funding.

"This would allow projects to proceed without unnecessary financial strain," he said.

MEP Mullooly criticised the "excessive red tape" that disproportionately affects smaller funding recipients.

He called for a "meaningful reduction" in "unnecessary bureaucracy," ensuring that community groups can focus on delivering impactful projects "rather than navigating complex administrative hurdles."

MEP Mullooly warned that efforts to rejuvenate rural areas would be "futile" if the EU continues to pursue trade agreements, such as the Mercosur deal, that "threaten the viability of farm families."

“There is no point in talking about revitalising rural communities while at the same time signing trade deals that will drive farmers off the land,” he stated.

“What we have, we should hold,” he concluded.