Question for written answer E-001165/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
José Manuel Fernandes (PPE), Maria da Graça Carvalho (PPE), Cláudia Monteiro de Aguiar (PPE), Álvaro Amaro (PPE)
Subject: Management of EU funds for water and sanitation investments in Portugal – grants to private entities
The Portuguese Government is creating barriers to the use of cohesion policy funds in municipalities where water supply and sanitation are managed by private entities, which face legal discrimination, even though the utility services they provide meet requirements. According to information provided annually by the water sector regulator ERSAR, the amount of EU funds that public water management entities have been receiving per consumer is seven times higher than that allocated to private operators.
1. Is the Commission aware of this disparity and the potential discriminatory effect on end consumers?
2. In view of the disparity in treatment and allocated funds, does it believe that EU rules and regulations are being upheld?