EP-voorzitter Schulz roept Italië op om te investeren (en)

EP i president Martin Schulz i called on Italy to invest in its economy as budgetary discipline alone will only create more unemployment and worsen the recession. Mr Schulz made the appeal during a visit to Rome on Friday 10 May where he met new Italian prime minister Enrico Letta i, president Giorgio Napolitano i and Laura Boldrini, president of the chamber of deputies.

Mr Schulz called for country-specific solutions, adding: "The EP and I as president of this institution are committed to supporting Enrico Letta and his government in facing the enormous challenge that lies ahead."

He also praised the country for the enormous progress it had made and said the European Commission should give it more time to recalibrate its budget. "Countries such as Italy with low growth rates need investment in their economies," he added.