DEF to stop VAT hike

(ANSA) - Rome, June 12 - The government's DEF economic blueprint will stave off a VAT hike, sources said Tuesday. VAT will automatically rise unless so-called budgetary safeguard clauses are defused. In the DEF draft to be presented by the majority on June 19, sources said, the government will aim to respect EU limits on the budget but will also outline government priorities.