Politics · Italy · 5 hrs ago
Italy delays budget bill as it awaits EU response on spending flexibility
At a meeting in Rome, Giorgia Meloni’s coalition delayed its 2027 budget bill for a few days.
The government is waiting for the European Commission to respond to Italy’s request for more flexibility under EU spending rules.
Meloni has put on hold a proposed income-tax cut for people earning up to €60,000, while the coalition is discussing a €5 billion contribution from banks and insurers.
The budget is planned at €23.5 billion, but could rise to €25 billion to €30 billion if the EU agrees to more spending flexibility.
Its main priorities include support for families, social spending and businesses, as well as funding for energy and defence.
The coalition still has to settle disputes over pensions and a flat tax for self-employed people, and another meeting is expected after the EU responds.
Italy is delaying its 2027 budget bill by a few days while it waits for the European Union to respond to requests for more spending flexibility.
The government is considering a contribution of €5 billion from banks and insurers to help finance the budget, but the measure remains under discussion.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has put on hold a proposed increase to the second personal income tax bracket, according to Corriere della Sera.
The coalition has named support for young people, older people, families, health care and measures to address energy costs as priorities.
The budget is currently valued at €23.5 billion, and could rise to €25–30 billion if the European Commission allows more flexibility.
- Who
- Italy’s government and governing coalition, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- What
- The government has delayed the 2027 budget bill while it awaits an EU response on spending flexibility.
- When
- The delay was reported on 19 October 2026; the bill is expected to reach the cabinet in a few days, possibly on 28 October.
- Where
- Italy; the government is negotiating with the European Union in Brussels.
- Why
- The government wants to take account of the outcome of talks with the EU on greater flexibility under its spending rules.
Government proponents of a bank contribution
Forza Italia
Bank contribution
Government proponents of a bank contribution
The government is seeking €5 billion from banks and insurers to help finance the budget, while Meloni has said the contribution needs to be negotiated carefully.
Forza Italia
Forza Italia opposes measures that are not agreed with those affected.
The governing coalition met to discuss the budget and set priorities, but did not reach a final agreement.
The government said the budget bill would be delayed by a few days to take account of talks with Brussels.
The articles say this is a likely date for the budget bill to reach the cabinet.
- Budget value
- €23.5 billion for 2027
- Possible budget value
- €25–30 billion if the European Commission allows more flexibility
- Proposed financial-sector contribution
- €5 billion from banks and insurers
- Existing EU-approved deficit spending
- €14.4 billion for energy and defence
- Likely cabinet date
- 28 October 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
interventions in favour of young people and older people, strengthening health care, support for families and measures to address energy costs
to identify a balance between the majority’s priorities and the available financial margins