Vice President Carlos Cuerpo defended budget modifications in the Senate and insisted European funds went exclusively to the Recovery Plan.
Spain’s government on Tuesday denied using European funds to pay pensions, following accusations from the Popular Party based on a Court of Auditors report. The document indicated that in 2024 some 2,389.4 million euros of EU surpluses covered passive-class pensions and minimum supplements.
Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo told the Senate that budget reprogramming is an ordinary and transparent tool. This year authorities have already adjusted 32,000 million euros, including 7,300 million for storm damage and 10,300 million for the Spain Crece fund.
The government noted that the European Commission releases funds upon milestones, regardless of actual spending, and that such treasury operations do not harm EU financial interests. In Germany, outlets such as Bild called the case “absolutely unacceptable” and demanded stricter oversight.
