European Commission letters
criticising national budget bills will not only reach Italy but
also "in all likelihood Spain, France and Portugal", Premier
Giuseppe Conte said Thursday, saying Italy was ready to reply.
"We knew that this budget that we conceived to meet the needs
of Italian citizens, long ignored, is not in line with the
European Commission's expectations," said Conte of a package
that sets a budget deficit of 2.4% for next year.
"We therefore expect observations and strictures that are set
to arrive and which we are ready to respond to.
"It is the normal debate that takes place between the
Commission and individual members States.
"Notes of this type will also reach other countries".
Conte said "the budget is well thought out and an EC rebuke
does not worry us".
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