Brussels, 02/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - As expected, France notified on Monday evening, the services of Commissioner Pedro Solbes that this year it would have a public deficit of 4% of the GDP following 2002's deficit of 3.1%. In keeping with proceedings for excessive deficit, France has until 3 October to present the measures it plans to use for reversing this tendency. The Commission could then propose that the Council adopts more exact projections for budgetary policy before later starting, if necessary, proceedings that could lead to sanctions (warning and then fines).