EC to make statement on 'flexibility'

(ANSA) - Brussels, December 18 - The long-evoked flexibility by member states in interpreting EU fiscal policy "will be addressed in January, when the Commission will make a statement", Premier Matteo Renzi said Thursday.
    In his role of EU duty president Renzi has spearheaded a drive for greater flexibility in meeting the conditions of the Growth and Stability Pact requiring member states to remain within rigid macroeconomic parameters, in the name of growth and job creation across the continent. His proposals have been broadly welcomed although the EU institutions and some member states have made it clear that flexibility is dependent on structural reforms. Separately on Thursday the premier said Italians "can and must pronounce the word 'future'".
    "Our editorialists, the political talk shows look on the present with desperation," said Renzi.
    "If we go on like this we won't be going anywhere," he said.