French budget deficit — compliance with the stability criteria

18.5.2017

Question for written answer E-003412-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Sven Schulze (PPE)

France has not managed even once to meet the deficit criterion of 3% of gross domestic product since the beginning of the financial crisis in 2007. The Commission has hitherto not imposed any penalties, but has twice granted a two-year extension. It has so far failed to provide a clear justification for these exceptions.

It is very likely that in 2018, France will be the only country in the Eurozone unable to meet that criterion.

1. How will the Commission deal with France in future with regard to the deficit?2. What expectations has the Commission expressed to the new French President and his future government in this respect?