Brussels, 21/08/2003 (Agence Europe) - Eurostat, the European Communities' Statistical Office in Luxembourg, has decided that the transfer of remaining assets from the EFTA (European Free Trade Association) Fund, intended for industrial development in Portugal, has no impact on the country's deficit recorded in 2002. Portugal's deficit therefore remains unchanged at 2.7% of GDP, as notified in March 2003 in the context of excessive deficit procedure. Pursuant to its statutes, the Fund, which has been operational since 1977, was liquidated 25 years after its creation, in January 2002. EUR 139 million (0.1% of Portugal's GDP) were paid to the Portuguese state from remaining fund assets. The Portuguese state is holder of a specific right on the Fund in the case of liquidation and, this being the case, Eurostat felt that the transfer should be treated as liquidation of a financial asset with no impact on the government deficit 2002. Eurostat came to this decision in conformity with the European System of integrated economic accounts (SEC95), taking on board the opinion expressed by a majority of the members of the CMFB Executive Body (Committee on Monetary, Financial and Balance of Payment Statistics).