Renzi tells EU 'to leave golden cage of bureaucracy'

(ANSA) - Rome, November 6 - Premier Matteo Renzi called for more investments in high-tech both within Italy and in Europe, which must release innovation and research from what he called "the chains" of the EU Growth and Stability Pact.
    "If they want to leave the golden cage of bureaucracy they should release all investments that create technology, research and innovation from the chains of the Stability Pact," Renzi said at a new Alcatel-Lucent plant opening near the northern city of Monza.
    The premier went on to say that while new OECD data showing weakness in the eurozone is "very sad", the silver lining is that it "proves if the eurozone changes, the global economy can start growing again. This is why in Italy, we are battling to change Europe".
    Renzi said investing in the high-tech, digital and broadband sectors is crucial for Italy, but right now is being carried out by different ministries in a fragmented way.
    "We need to centralize those investments," Renzi said.
    After visiting the plant, Renzi met with a delegation from FIOM, FIM and UILM metalworkers unions. "We need to reform our innovation and digital sectors," the premier told unions at the 10-minute meeting, which focused on maintaining production in Italy. Renzi said the government believes in the local Silicon Valley, as the Brianza area around Monza is called due to its clusters of high-tech industry. "The Brianza Silicon Valley must have a future," he told union delegates. "It is important to create a positive climate to find solutions. I hope my presence here helps solve the difficulties you are experiencing". The premier spoke after angry protesters concerned about layoffs at the telecommunications equipment plant earlier pelted his staff car with eggs. Renzi was hustled through the side door, unscathed.