EC says 'crucial' Italy, France, Belgium push reforms-update

(ANSA) - Brussels, February 25 - The European Commission said Wednesday that it is "crucial" for Italy, France and Belgium to push through significant structural reforms to their economies. The EC, which is closely monitoring budgets in those three countries, said that planned reforms in all three nations must be implemented. In Italy, the government has been pushing through labour market reforms, and is working on changes to election law, governance and education. All are aimed to encouraging growth in a lacklustre economy.