Meloni calls for long-term measures to address energy costs

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni spoke about energy costs at an employers’ meeting in Milan.

She said the government has spent more than 60 billion euros in recent years to shield people from high prices, but described those measures as emergency responses.

They included reducing some charges on energy bills and cutting fuel taxes during price spikes.

Meloni said Italy also needs lasting measures to reduce its exposure to energy price shocks.

She cited growth in renewable energy capacity, renewed domestic oil and gas production, and work toward producing nuclear energy in the next decade.

Her comments matter because high energy costs affect households and businesses, while industry also needs dependable energy supplies.

Meloni said the government would continue working on the issue, but gave no specific timetable for new long-term measures.