Until that time, the amount of EUR 4 billion merely takes the form of an interest-free deposit, meaning that France only forfeits the interest on that sum. At an interest rate of 5%, that is equivalent to around EUR 200 million a year. Having driven through a red light, France should not look for excuses but should simply accept the penalty.
Why should Italian farmers pay a total of around EUR 1 billion in European fines (for exceeding the milk quota), and a government that pays no heed to the rules be spared? I hope that I have given you enough material for further discussion.