France's inability to comply with common budgetary rules

23.10.2014

Question for written answer E-008293-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Monika Flašíková Beňová (S&D)

The French Government has announced that it has no plans to bring its budget deficit under 3% by 2017. However, the Commission has already extended the period for France to consolidate its budget once, giving it until 2015. Such an economically and politically powerful country as France should set an example and demonstrate financial discipline, as many Member States have had to carry out extensive budget cuts in order to restore investor confidence. Many feel that France has done very little since June 2013 to reduce its deficit and is thus holding back the fragile recovery of Europe's economy.

Does the Commission intend to impose a fine on France for its violation of budgetary rules?