la lettre de la commission EU à la France

Dear Minister,

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for the submission of France's Draft Budgetary Plan (DBP) for 2015, which we received on 15 October.

...

Based on the submission by France, the DBP itself does not plan to bring the general government deficit below the 3 % of GDP Treaty reference value by 2015, the deadline set by the Council in its recommendation of 21 June 2013 with a view to bringing an end to the situation of an excessive government deficit in France.

According to our preliminary analysis - confirmed on the basis of the recalculation by the Commission services using the commonly agreed methodology - the adjustment in the structural deficit is expected to be well below the level recommended. In that respect, there is a strong indication that the DBP for 2015 plans a breach of the budgetary policy obligations which stem from the Council recommendation under the excessive deficit procedure. Against this background, further exchanges of information have already taken place between your services and the Commission.

In line with the provisions of Article 7(2) of Regulation (EU) № 473/2013 of 21 May 2013, I am writing to consult you on the reasons why France plans to deviate from the budgetary targets set by the Council regarding both the general government deficit and the adjustment in the structural balance in 2015. I would also wish to know how France could ensure full compliance with its budgetary policy obligations under the SGP for 2015.

The Commission seeks to continue a constructive dialogue with France with the view to come to a final assessment. I would therefore welcome your view at your earliest convenience and if possible by 24 October. This would allow the Commission to take into account France's views in the further procedure.

Yours sincerely, »