15:00 - 2.10.2026

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October 2, Fineko/abc.az. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen requesting greater fiscal flexibility under EU budget rules to counter surging energy prices and inflation.

Meloni emphasized that current net expenditure rules leave very limited room to cushion the impact on households and businesses without resorting to restrictive measures.

However, the European Commission rebuffed Rome's request. Commission spokesperson Paula Pinho stated that member states have already been granted sufficient flexibility. Meanwhile, Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti indicated that Rome will seek maximum spending allowances of 0.6% of GDP for energy security and 0.9% of GDP for defense.