The EU should cede control over issues “closer to the lives of citizens” and leave the bigger questions to be dealt with collectively, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday ahead of Thursday’s European Council.
Meloni argued that the EU should deal with the “big issues” that the member states cannot tackle alone, while it should cede more powers on the issues “closer to the lives of citizens” per the principle of subsidiarity.
Meloni spoke at the Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday to explain the government’s approach and position ahead of the EU Council on Thursday and Friday in Brussels.
“Italy is actively participating in the debate on the definition of the strategic agenda to be adopted next June. Of course, we will not fail to contribute, and the Italian focus will be on priorities”, said Meloni.
Her coalition government, which also includes Matteo Salvini’s Lega (ID) and Antonio Tajani’s Forza Italia (EPP), will maintain a position that will make it possible to strike a balance in the negotiations on the European Stability Pact between the soundness of national budgets and the sustainability of public debt, without forgetting growth and support for investment.
“It has not been like this until today. We cannot afford for it to continue to be like this from tomorrow”, the prime minister emphasised.
According to the latest draft agreement, the adjustment trajectory of the deficit-to-GDP ratio (currently planned at 0.5% per annum) will have to take into account the time between 2025-2027 the interest accrued on the debt incurred for the investments made on the double green transition, digital transaction and defence.
“This is an important recognition that is not only practical, as it will allow us to lighten the impact of the deficit reduction trajectory concerning the budgetary manoeuvres of the coming years, but it is also a great recognition of principle. Thanks to Italy, a principle of consistency between the Union’s policies and the budgetary rules that must allow the Union to implement those policies is affirmed”, Meloni clarified.
But the Italian government “does not want to spend without restraint and squander without control” but insists that the current economic and political situation is ‘exceptional’ and needs equally exceptional governance, Meloni added.
The annual Fratelli d’Italia convention will be held from Thursday to Sunday.
The event is always highly anticipated for the many Italian and international guests attending Rome. Among them is Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk.
(Federica Pascale | Euractiv.it)
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