MEP Dirk Gotink (PPE) has asked the European Commission whether it considers Spain's redirection of over €2.4 billion in Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds to civil service pensions as compliant with EU rules, following a critical report by the Spanish Court of Auditors. The question, submitted on 7 May 2026, targets potential misuse of EU taxpayers' money and could have significant implications for Spain's access to RRF disbursements and for the credibility of the EU's audit framework.
The parliamentary question, filed under Rule 144, cites a 5 May 2026 report by the Spanish Court of Auditors that flagged two budget amendments totalling €2,389.4 million. The appropriations, originally earmarked for Spain's national recovery and resilience plan, were redirected to civil service pensions under the legal basis of 'unavoidable commitments.' The Court found this justification insufficient, raising concerns over compliance with the RRF Regulation.
Gotink's question contains three concrete asks. First, he asks whether the redirection complies with the RRF Regulation, specifically Article 21 on amending national plans and Article 22 on protecting the Union's financial interests. Second, he asks whether the Commission has been informed of the amendments and has initiated any verification or follow-up. Third, he requests details on what steps the Commission will take and what consequences Spain might face if the redirection is found incompatible.
Gotink seeks to tighten oversight of RRF spending and signal that deviations from approved plans will not be tolerated. By invoking the Spanish Court of Auditors' findings, he pressures the Commission to act as guardian of the EU budget.
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will indicate whether it views the redirection as a breach of rules or a legitimate adjustment, and whether it plans to launch an audit or demand repayment. This could set a precedent for how RRF funds are monitored across Member States.