BRUSSELS (BELGIUM) (ITALPRESS) – The European Commission announces the possibility to extend to investments in the energy transition the safeguard clause of the Stability Pact activated for defence expenditure, for a maximum of 0.3% of GDP per year and 0.6% in the period 2026-2028.
“In the future, Member States adopting measures to strengthen Europe’s energy security and speed up the transition to alternative energy sources to fossil fuels may require limited fiscal flexibility under the current national safeguard clause for defence expenditure – writes the Commission in the macroeconomic recommendations of the European semester. At the request of the Member State, the scope of the clause may be extended to include measures, adopted from February 2026, which reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and which, consequently, strengthen Europe’s security and resilience. Within the scope of the maximum limit (1.5% of GDP) for additional defence expenditure under the national safeguard clause, a specific maximum annual limit will be applied for the period 2026-2028 (0.3% of GDP) and a cumulative maximum limit (0.6% of GDP) for the same period, specifically intended for energy resilience measures. It is important to stress that this approach guarantees full respect for all fiscal sustainability safeguards.”.
“I am satisfied because the Commission, unthinkable until a few months ago, has transposed our proposals, the result of a long, serious and reserved work”, comments the Minister of Economy and Finance Giancarlo Giorgetti.
“When the limits of use are specified – continues Giorgetti – the Mef reserves the right to make the most targeted proposals for the protection of enterprises and families. Of course, the evaluation must be done altogether and must take into account the latest estimates provided by the commission and the elements contained in the recommendations of the commission that testify to the effort and seriousness of Italian public finance”.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
