ROME, April 9 (Reuters) - European Union authorities should consider a temporary suspension of budget deficit rules if the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran flares up again, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni
Italy Calls for EU Budget Rules Suspension if Iran Crisis Escalates
Italy's Position on EU Budget Rules Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Meloni Urges Temporary Suspension of Deficit Rules
ROME, April 9 (Reuters) - European Union authorities should consider a temporary suspension of budget deficit rules if the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran flares up again, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told parliament on Thursday.
Measures to Counter Speculative Behaviour on Energy Prices
Meloni also said her government was ready to take every possible measure to prevent potential speculative behaviour on energy prices, including introducing windfall taxes on energy companies.
Proposal for a General Suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact
"We believe that discussing a possible temporary suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact should not be taboo. Not a waiver for individual Member States, but a general measure," Meloni said.
Challenges in Meeting EU Deficit Targets
Her remarks come as the government is preparing to cut its GDP growth estimates for 2026 and following years later this month, making it more difficult for Italy to bring its deficit below the EU's 3% of GDP ceiling this year, as planned.
Background: EU Budget Rules and Escape Clauses
Activation of the General Escape Clause During COVID-19
The EU activated between 2020 and 2023 a so-called 'general escape clause' to suspend budget rules and allow member states to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had triggered lockdowns and economic downturns in EU countries and the closure of Europe's borders.
Conditions for Future Suspension of Budget Rules
That clause, however, can be tapped in the event of a severe economic downturn in the euro area or the EU as a whole, something which is not currently expected by leading forecasters.
Italy's National Escape Clause Option
Italy could also activate a national escape clause allowing member states to deviate from budget goals agreed with the EU in response to exceptional circumstances outside their control. The government has so far ruled out doing so as long as Rome is under excessive deficit procedure.
Windfall Taxes and Government Actions
Readiness to Act Against Energy Price Speculation
"Italy remains ready to take every possible measure to prevent potential speculative behaviour (on energy prices), including, if necessary, further action regarding the profits of energy companies," Meloni added.
History of Windfall Taxes in Italy
Legal Disputes with Energy Companies
Meloni and her predecessor Mario Draghi adopted in recent years windfall taxes on the energy sector, triggering legal disputes with affected companies.
(Reporting by Angelo Amante and Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Alvise Armellini and Kim Coghill)
