Brussels, 22/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Recalling Italy's place in European construction, the Italian prime minister said after a meeting with European Commission President José Manuel Durão Barroso on Tuesday 22 November that his government would stand by the Community method every time it is possible. His vision of Europe, just like the one traditionally held by Italy, consists of working “as far as possible according to the Community method”, as this position is also in “Italy's national interest”, he stated. Later, after a meeting with European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, he said Italy would play a “useful and decisive” role in European integration.
Is Italy on course to achieve its goal of being in budgetary balance by 2013 even though weak growth in the country will mean further measures have to be taken? Monti, who also holds the post of finance minister, said that the agreement reached at the eurozone summit at the end of October was the “starting point” for Italian government action, which enjoys broad political support in the country (EUROPE No 10483). There was “no doubt” that the fiscal consolidation efforts of the previous government would be continued, he stated. The economic programme presented to the Italian parliament, built on budgetary rigour, economic growth and social equity, lays “greater importance on sustainable growth through structural reform”. The visit to Rome of Economic and Monetary Affairs Commissioner Olli Rehn on Friday will provide an opportunity for further discussion of this issue.
“Europe has its eye on Italy” which is going through “difficult” times, Barroso said. Like Van Rompuy, he praised Monti's determination and experience which will help him tackle the “huge challenges” that face Italy. But “it will take time”. He set out the areas where reform is expected: pensions, the labour market, the institutional architecture, and tackling tax evasion. He said the Commission was responsible for monitoring implementation of the country's budgetary and economic commitments. Commission experts will be welcome in Rome, Monti assured him. The Italian prime minister will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Strasbourg on Thursday. (MB/transl.rt)