Italy has highest growth of big EU economies - Gentiloni

(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 15 - Italy is set to post the highest growth of the major EU economies this year, Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni said Monday as he presented the European executive's spring forecasts.
    "I think this has not happened for a long time," said former Italian premier Gentiloni.
    "Italy has had a growth of 12% over the last three years , which is very significant, after a 9% drop during the pandemic".
    The Commission said Monday that it forecasts Italy's GDP will rise 1.2% this year and 1.1% in 2024.
    That is up from the predictions of growth of 0.8% and 1% in 2023 and 2024 respectively made in February.
    The Commission said that it expects Italy's deficit -to-GDP ratio to come in 4.5% this year and drop to 3.7% in 2024.
    It forecast that Italy's public debt will be 140.4% of GDP in 2023 and 140.3% next year. (ANSA).