‘Structural Dialogue’ hearing at the European Parliament regarding the suspension of structural funding for Portugal and Spain

A 'structural dialogue' hearing was held on 3 October 2016 at the European Parliament regarding the proposal to suspend EU structural funding for Portugal and Spain due to their excessibe budget deficits.

Most members of the parliament stated during the meeting that such suspension would be counter-productive, because it would harm their most vulnerable citizens and regions.

The suspension was proposed under the EU Stability and Growth Pact rules. The procedure was triggered due to the decision by the Council of the European Union in July that the two countries had failed to take effective action in response to its recommendations on measures to correct their excessive deficits.

On 6 October, the Parliament's Conference of Presidents decided to request more information on this topic before making a proposal to the Commission on the suspension of the funds.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Structured Dialogue with the Commission on Suspension of European Structural and Investment Funds to Spain and Portugal http://www.europeansources.info/record/structured-dialogue-with-the-commission-on-suspension-of-european-structural-and-investment-funds-to-spain-and-portugal/

EUObserver, 04.10.16: 'Kafkaesque' EU to freeze Portugal and Spain funds https://euobserver.com/economic/135348

EurActiv, 04.10.16: MEPs oppose ‘immoral’ suspension of EU funds for Spain and Portugal https://www.euractiv.com/section/euro-finance/news/meps-oppose-immoral-suspension-of-eu-funds-for-spain-and-portugal/

EurActiv, 06.10.16: Parliament secures extra time for Portugal and Spain before freezing EU funds http://www.euractiv.com/section/euro-finance/news/parliament-secures-extra-time-for-portugal-and-spain-before-freezing-eu-funds/

---