Meloni: “On stability pact distant positions, better an Ecofin in presence”

Brussels – The reform of the Stability Pact for new common rules on expenditure management and public accounts is not within immediate reach because “positions are far apart” at the moment. Words of Giorgia Meloni, convinced, however, that we must move forward, “hour by hour“, in the search for a solution for which the prime minister assures a constructive role. The head of government leaves Brussels at the end of a European Council that she calls “in chiaroscuro” for the final results, but she does so by categorically denying that Stability Pact and ratification of the European Stability Mechanism reform treaty are a package.

“I see this connection only in the Italian debate,” Meloni told the press at the end of the proceedings. Statements that jar with those made at the summit of heads of state and government last October when the tenant of Palazzo Chigi stated that “the problem is that the Esm recalls the old constraints of the stability pact. We cannot discuss the Esm until the new framework of rules is established.” She was the one who noticed a connection, if not a relationship, between the two files.

One of these, the Esm, is now referred back to the work of the Italian Parliament. The other, the proposed stability pact reform, will be the subject of an extraordinary meeting of the Ecofin Council on December 20, which Italy, at the request of Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, would like in attendance rather than by videoconference. A legitimate and sensible request, according to Meloni. “I think it is better to have an Ecofin in presence,” agrees the prime minister. “These are very complex, very technical negotiations. Interlocution on the sidelines is more useful than what is formally said. Especially now, these opportunities for further confrontation,” Meloni explains,” become indispensable. I don’t think it is impossible to find an agreement, but I can’t say we have found it.”

Onward, then, with Italy which, Meloni again assures, does not intend to veto. “I would not put it that way,” she premised, responding to reporters. To which, however, she explains, “I don’t want to give the OK to a pact that, not only I, but no Italian government cannot then respect.” She then reiterates what Italy’s requirements are in this match. “We are not asking for changes to the pact to throw money out the window but to spend the money we need for the strategies we have devised as Europe”, she reiterates.

As for Europe, Meloni has something to reproach: the postponement of the debate on the joint budget review does not satisfy Italy. The opposition of Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orban, is not allowing immigration policies to be funded. “We have not succeeded, but the solution is within reach, and I am optimistic that it can be found at the next European Council.” In the background, she admits, “I think there is a plan B, but I hope it doesn’t come to that.” Certainly, having to draw up a balance sheet, not of the Union but of the summit, for Meloni “the balance sheet is in light and dark.” The reason, she acknowledges, is that “we did not manage to get everything we wanted. That is also why we continue to work.”