The European Commission has given a positive assessment to Italy’s request to activate a national escape clause allowing temporary flexibility under EU fiscal rules. The Council of the EU must make the final decision.
After a Eurogroup meeting, European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis warned that introducing further forms of fiscal flexibility could weaken governments’ collective commitment to common rules. He said credibility around sustainable public finances remained an important asset.
A Commission spokesperson said Italy submitted its request to activate the national clause on September 11. The Commission concluded that using it would not put Italy’s public-finance sustainability at risk over the medium term.
The file has now been sent to the Council of the EU, which has one month to decide. The clause can be formally activated for Italy only after the Council’s approval.