Francisco Guerreiro MEP questions the European Commission on the financing of bullfights in Portugal

Brussels, June 15, 2023 - Francisco Guerreiro MEP questioned the European Commission about the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) funds financing bullfights in Portugal.


Read the question below:


Subject: Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) funds financing bullfights in Portugal


It has become public knowledge that Alcochete City Council (Portugal) has signed a contract (concluded on March 3, 2023) for the purchase of around 600 bullfight tickets, worth more than 12,000 euros, with the company “Toiros e Tauromaquia”.


According to the information released, the purchase of the tickets was made with European funds from the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), with the aim of “promoting the healthy ageing of the population”.


1. Given that these are European funds, I would like to ask the Commission if the allocation of such funds is not governed by criteria that block their use to finance activities that include animal cruelty. Could bullfighting events be eligible for RRP funds, thereby encouraging the continuation of a violent activity that goes against European principles of respect for animals?

2. Can bullfighting events be considered to promote a healthy ageing population, particularly given that we are dealing with a violent and bloody exhibition?


3. What recommendations does the Commission have to guide Member States / local councils in choosing events in situations where the aim is to promote a healthy ageing population with RRP funds?


Read the Commission's response below:

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