NRRP must come before flat tax, Messina bridge- Gentiloni

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 20 - European Economy Minister Paolo Gentiloni said Monday that the Italian government's top priority should be the EU-funded National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) after it presented plans to build a bridge between Sicily and the mainland over the Strait of Messina and bring in a flat tax for all workers.
    The NRRP (or PNRR in Italian) seeks to make the Italian economy Greener and more modern with the help of almost 200 billion euros in EU grants and low-interest loans.
    "Italy is focusing on the bridge over the Strait and the flat tax, but there is also a highly pressing issue, which is the NRRP," Gentiloni said at an event organized by daily newspaper La Repubblica.
    The Commissioner added that he would like to see Italy take more leadership on transforming the economy to make it sustainable.
    "The second challenge regards the role Italy wants to play on the environmental challenge," said Gentiloni.
    "Europe's second-biggest manufacturer shouldn't be left behind with a policy that drags its heels or dreams of going back to past eras.
    "The transition is happening and you can't be the slow coach".
    The Italian government has expressed opposition to the EU directive on Green homes that would require work to boost the energy efficiency of properties and to the EU's proposed end to the sale of carbon-emitting petrol and diesel cars from 2035.
    (ANSA).