Possible preferential treatment of Ireland

29.10.2012

Question for written answer E-009903-12
to the Commission
Rule 117
Elisa Ferreira (S&D) , Luís Paulo Alves (S&D) , António Fernando Correia de Campos (S&D) , Ana Gomes (S&D) , Vital Moreira (S&D) , Edite Estrela (S&D) , Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D)

Given the joint statement issued by the German and Irish Governments on 21 October, describing Ireland as a special case among Member States receiving financial assistance, and given the French President’s subsequent agreement with this statement,

We would ask the Commission:

• 1.Does it admit to granting Ireland preferential treatment, particularly by recommending the retroactive direct recapitalisation of Irish banks using the European Stability Mechanism, without ensuring that equal treatment is being given to banks domiciled in other Member States receiving financial assistance?
• 2.Does this not constitute a gross violation of competition rules in the financial market, as well as the fundamental principle of equal treatment between Member States?

OJ C 310 E, 25/10/2013