Parliament, the Council and the EU Commission have reached an agreement on the budget for 2017. This provides for 157,9 billion in commitments and 134,5 billion in payments, equal to an increase of 1,7% and a reduction of 1,6, respectively. 2016% compared to XNUMX.
Resources for migrants, young people and growth will be increased compared to the current year: 5,91 billion in terms of commitments will be available to address the refugee crisis and security (+11,3%), while for growth and employment will be 21,3 billion (+12%).
In particular, funds for the Eramus program will increase by 19% to 2,1 billion, and EFSI, the Juncker Plan fund, will have commitments of 2,7 billion (+25%). For young people there will also be 500 million for the Youth Employment initiative.
Italy abstained in the vote: it is the first time that our country does not vote in favor of the annual Community budget. The story should be seen in the tug of war underway with the European Commission on the Italian Budget Law for 2017 and on the request for flexibility advanced by our country. Just Wednesday, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi formally announced the reserve of Italy on the revision of the Union's multiannual budget. It is not yet a question of a veto (the budget must be approved by all the member countries) but it pre-establishes the possibility. We will see, after the outcome of the constitutional referendum in Italy, how the negotiations with Europe will continue.
