Padoan says 3 bn for Turkey must come from EU budget (2)

(ANSA) - Brussels, January 15 - Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan on Friday denied the European Commission allegations that Italy was blocking the approval of three billion euros in financing to Turkey in exchange for cooperation on the refugee crisis. "Italy gives full backing to the support of Turkey to manage the migrant flows," Padoan said. "Italy is not blocking anything. But we believe it is necessary to clarify whether there is still space in the European budget to ensure that the three billion euros is fully covered without using contributions from the (member) States." Earlier on Friday European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker blasted Rome's stance on this issue. "I struggle to understand Italy's amazing reservation about the three billion euros to Turkey because the money is not going to Turkey but is for Syrian refugees in Turkey," Juncker said.
    "These three billion are a question of credibility for the EU".