Italy-EU honeymoon has just started, but needs to last

Press quote (The Washington Post)
06 September 2019

“The new government is likely to be more responsible in economic terms than either the previous one, or a cabinet led by the League,” said Luigi Scazzieri, researcher for think-thank Centre for European Reform.

“While it has no appetite for fiscal tightening, and wants to change eurozone fiscal rules, it will be much less willing to pick a fight with the EU,” he added.

Scazzieri noted that if Europe gives Italy more leeway on its budget — which must be submitted to the Commission by mid-October and approved by the end of the year — and help it manage migration flows, it would not only “steal the League’s thunder,” but also foster a more pro-European stance within the 5-Stars.