Italy seeks EU deficit rule suspension due to Middle East conflict

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni requested a broad suspension of EU deficit rules if the Middle East war escalates. Meloni argued for a temporary, generalized pause on the Stability and Growth Pact, similar to the pandemic response, to address potential energy shocks and economic disruption. The EU can suspend rules during severe crises, but currently sees only a growth slowdown, not a crisis warranting such a measure.