European Commission Vice-President
Valdis Dombrovskis on Friday reiterated his call for Italy move
forward towards ratification of the reform of the European
Stability Mechanism (ESM) bailout fund.
Italy is the only eurozone country not to have approved the new
treaty despite coming under significant pressure from Europe to
do so.
Indeed, the Italian parliament last month voted against
ratification.
"Discussions on the ratification of the ESM reform continue with
Italy," Dombrovskis told Sky television from Davos.
"Obviously it is up to the Italian Parliament to decide on the
next steps.
"We hope to see them as soon as possible.
"I am not in the right position to speak about Italy and what
the parliament will decide, but I will be in contact with the
government and we will discuss the next steps together".
Premier Giorgia Meloni has said the December decision by the
Lower House to reject ratification of the reform of the EU
bailout mechanism is an opportunity to reopen discussion in
order to make it more effective.
The reform is controversial here due to concerns about its
impact on budget sovereignty and Meloni's government has also
said the ESM's resources should be harnessed for growth.
Dombrovskis also said that the Italian government's 2024 budget
law "does not seem to be in line with the recommendations of the
EU Council.
"This is also true for other countries," he added.
"We have asked Italy to change course and bring its public
accounts back in line with our recommendations".
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