The Consell de Formentera has approved the return of 218,812 euros corresponding to the 2014-2020 European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) grant it received for the rehabilitation of the La Mola lighthouse. The decision was made in the framework of the Governing Board after the Deputy Audit Intervention of the Government of the Balearic Islands determined that the action that was the object of the aid was already completed when the application was submitted.
Although the Consell insular presented allegations to justify that the works were not completed at the time of the request, these were rejected by the regional administration, which has led the institution to proceed with the repayment of the amount granted. To the principal amount will be added interest for late payment, the calculation of which has not yet been determined.
A dispute over the execution and timing of the application
The origin of the conflict dates back to October 2018, when the Consell de Formentera submitted the application for European funding to pay for part of the restoration of the emblematic lighthouse of La Mola, which was subsequently converted into a museum and cultural space. However, the General Intervention of the Balearic Government argues that on that date the action was already physically completed, so it did not correspond the grant of the subsidy.
From the Consell they defend that the works were still in progress when the request was processed, with a degree of execution of 76.8%, according to the technical reports provided. In addition, the insular administration argues that the act of reception of the works was not signed until December 2018, two months after the application, which, in its opinion, evidences that the works had not yet been completed when the grant was requested.
For its part, the General Directorate of Housing and Architecture of the Balearic Government, responsible for monitoring the project, has also expressed its disagreement with the resolution of the General Comptroller, considering that there was no irregularity in the processing of the aid. However, this position has not been enough to avoid the obligation to return the funds.
A refund to avoid further interest on late payment
Given the refusal of the Balearic Government to accept the allegations presented, the Consell de Formentera has opted to proceed with the return of the 218,812 euros to avoid a further increase in interest on arrears. However, the institution has left the door open to take legal or administrative action to claim the validity of the subsidy and defend that its concession was in accordance with the regulations.
The Consell emphasizes that its will is to act responsibly and avoid any additional economic damage to the island administration. In this sense, the decision to reimburse the subsidy does not imply that it renounces to claim its restitution in the future.
