Possible suspension of EU funds for Spain
3.11.2016
Question for written answer E-008339-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Clara Eugenia Aguilera García (S&D) , Inés Ayala Sender (S&D) , José Blanco López (S&D) , Soledad Cabezón Ruiz (S&D) , Jonás Fernández (S&D) , Iratxe García Pérez (S&D) , Eider Gardiazabal Rubial (S&D) , Enrique Guerrero Salom (S&D) , Sergio Gutiérrez Prieto (S&D) , Ramón Jáuregui Atondo (S&D) , Juan Fernando López Aguilar (S&D) , Javi López (S&D) , Inmaculada Rodríguez-Piñero Fernández (S&D) , Elena Valenciano (S&D)
The Commission is considering the possible suspension of payments from EU funds to Spain, pursuant to Article 23 of Regulation 1303/2013, which requires that the decision be taken within the framework of a structured dialogue with the European Parliament.
According to Parliament’s report on guidelines for the implementation of Article 23 (2015/2052(INI) of 29.9.2015), before any measures are taken there must be ‘constant, clear and transparent’ collaboration at interinstitutional level and Parliament has to adopt a ‘resolution’ stating its position (paragraph 30).
The report stipulates that Article 23 must ‘only be used as a last resort’ (paragraph 3) and that any decision taken pursuant to Article 23 must be exceptional and ‘well-weighed, thoroughly justified and implemented in a cautious fashion’ (paragraph 9), in view of cohesion policy’s vital role in supporting the most pressing needs of the current crisis (paragraph 6).
— Is the Commission acting in accordance with these criteria in regard to the possible imposition of sanctions on Spain?— Will it take account of Parliament’s opinion concerning the article 23 procedure in the interests of enhanced structured dialogue?— What other options is it pursuing prior to implementation, as a last resort, of Article 23?