Commenting on the ECOFIN decision that triggers sanctions on Portugal and Spain for excessive deficits, ETUC Deputy General Secretary Veronica Nilsson said "I call on the Commission not to impose heavy fines on Portugal and Spain, and not to withhold EU funds."
"Apart from the obvious absurdity of fining a country for allegedly spending too much, big fines will hit growth, jobs and public services in two countries that are already struggling. At a time of painfully slow recovery large fines would be irresponsible."
"More austerity would be unbearable."
Press release