European Commission accused of unevenly enforcing deficit rules

European debt and deficit rules are too lenient and are applied unevenly across the bloc, EU auditors have said.

In a report published yesterday, the European Court of Auditors said the EU’s rules, which were tightened up during the financial crisis, have “not proved fully effective” in reducing debts and encouraging reforms across the EU.

The report contrasts with the European Commission’s new emphasis on flexibility in EU debt and deficit rules, part of its bid to promote investment and boost domestic demand.