Refusal by the FOBR to publish reports on the sale of Catalunya Banc

19.12.2014

Question for written answer E-011099-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Josep-Maria Terricabras (Verts/ALE)

The Catalonian political party CUP has lodged an appeal with the National High Court [Audiencia Nacional] against the sale of Catalunya Banc to the BBVA bank for a total of EUR 1.187 billion. This follows an earlier injection by the Fund for Orderly Bank Restructuring (FOBR) of over EUR 12 billion of public funds into Catalunya Banc. In 2012 the Commission estimated that this bank would need EUR 14 billion to consolidate its financial situation.

The operations for the rescue and sale of Catalunya Banc were carried out in accordance with reports by consultants such as Ernst & Young, Barclays, HSBC, BDO and McKinsey, and following guidelines laid down by the European Commission.

Spanish Law no 19/2013, of 9 December, on transparency, access to public information and good government, proclaims the principle of transparency in public life and applies also to entities subject to public law and to mercantile companies with public share capital.

1. Does the Commission consider that this decision by the FOBR contravenes the principle of transparency, since the sale of Catalunya Banc affects all Spanish citizens?

2. Is the Commission aware of the reports on the sale of Catalunya Banc?

3. Does the Commission consider that compliance with the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding should entail the concealment of information and data from taxpayers?