Politics · Italy · 6 hrs ago
Italy seeks EU approval to use energy funds to lower household bills
Italy’s finance minister, Giancarlo Giorgetti, says the government wants to use some money set aside for energy in 2027 to help families pay their bills.
Italy has asked the European Commission to approve the change, and negotiations are under way.
The energy funding is part of €28.8 billion in extra spending for energy and defence allowed for 2027 and 2028.
The government says it must keep other budget measures within limits so it can leave the EU’s excessive-deficit procedure in 2027.
Giorgetti says the 2027 budget should support families, workers and businesses while protecting the country’s financial credibility.
Parties in the governing coalition disagree over which tax and pension measures to include.
The result of the EU talks will affect the budget, which the government plans to approve after 16 October.
Italy has asked the European Commission to allow some energy funds for 2027 to be used to reduce household energy bills.
Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said the request is under negotiation and warned that the 2027 budget plan depends on its outcome.
The funds in question amount to 7.2 billion euros, which are currently intended for energy measures.
The government is also seeking to preserve its goal of exiting the EU excessive deficit procedure in 2027.
The article says the budget plan has limited room for other measures unless they are covered by higher revenues or spending cuts.
- Who
- Italy’s government, represented by Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, has made the request to the European Commission.
- What
- Italy is seeking permission to use part of the 2027 energy funds to help households with their bills.
- When
- The request was reported on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Italy has asked the European Commission.
- Why
- The government wants to ease household energy bills. Giorgetti said the 2027 budget plan will depend on the outcome of the negotiation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Giorgetti said Italy had asked the European Commission to allow some energy funds to be used to reduce household bills.
Parliament was expected to approve permission to spend 28.8 billion euros in deficit on energy and defence.
The government was expected to approve its budget plan after awaiting formal European Council approval for the higher energy and defence spending.
- Energy funds sought
- 7.2 billion euros for 2027
- Additional spending allowance
- 28.8 billion euros for energy and defence in 2027–28
- Budget goal
- Exit the EU excessive deficit procedure in 2027
- Requesting official
- Giancarlo Giorgetti, Italy’s economy minister
- Report date
- October 12, 2026
What people are saying
We have asked the European Commission.
It is under negotiation. And if the EU says no, it is wrong.
The country’s financial credibility is a resource that must be preserved.
Sources
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