Italy Urges EU to Relax Budget Rules Over Energy Crisis

(MENAFN) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called on the European Union to broaden fiscal flexibility measures tied to the ongoing energy crisis, cautioning that Italy’s involvement in the SAFE program may be endangered if current restrictions remain in place, according to reports.

In a message addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Meloni stressed that exemptions under EU fiscal rules currently applied to defense expenditures should also cover spending linked to the energy emergency.

“The Stability Pact exemption for defense must be extended to energy crisis spending, or Italy’s activation of the SAFE program is at risk,” Meloni wrote.

She emphasized that mounting energy prices alongside growing geopolitical instability were making it harder for Rome to support participation in the SAFE framework unless broader financial exemptions were introduced.

Meloni also stated that she was “certain that the Commission will understand the scope and urgency of this request.”

European Commission officials, however, signaled no shift in policy. A spokesperson reiterated that the bloc’s stance remained the same and noted that member countries had already been provided with multiple tools to respond to the ongoing energy situation.

“Our position has not changed,” a Commission spokesperson said.

The spokesperson further explained that the Commission is currently not examining the possibility of activating the National Escape Clause.

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