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EU Clears Italy’s 2026 Budget as Compliant, Keeps Deficit Case on Hold

A final ruling on the Excessive Deficit Procedure will follow spring verification of Italy’s 2025 results by Eurostat.

Overview

  • The European Commission judged Italy’s 2026 Draft Budgetary Plan to be compliant with Council recommendations under the revamped EU fiscal framework.
  • Italy’s net expenditure growth remains within EU ceilings: +1.2% in 2025 versus a 1.3% cap and +1.5% in 2026 versus 1.6%, with a 0.5% cumulative rise against a 0.9% limit.
  • The Excessive Deficit Procedure is kept in suspense pending certified 2025 deficit data, with a decision expected in late spring, reportedly around 3 June.
  • Italy is among 12 member states receiving a conformity judgment on their plans, while nine countries including Italy remain under the EDP during this pause.
  • The Commission urges completion of the PNRR and measures to lift productivity and investment, as Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti says the approval shows Italy is on the right track.