Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan said Thursday the country's budget will be brought into line with EU rules in this year's economic blueprint, once the European commission has decided whether to apply flexibility clauses linked to structural reforms, public investment and costs associated with the migrant and refugee crisis. "Italy is being asked to make its 2016 budget compatible with the Stability Pact and this will be done," Padoan said.
"We are still working to define the issue (of flexibility), which must be resolved with the publication of the economic and financial document (DEF) in April," he added.
In any event Padoan said Italy "is one of few countries, if not the only one, that is entitled to ask for flexibility" because its fiscal policy is "in order" and complies with Maastricht budget constraints. "We are requesting greater flexibility not because we are riotous or undisciplined, but because we have the right," the minister said.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
