“Over the last ten years, Italy has become a net contributor and has gradually paid more than was justified by its level of relative prosperity, to the point of being in 2011 the first net contributor to the budget of the European Union. This is not justified." The one that arrived today from the premier is a clear complaint Mario Monti, who said these words during a meeting in Berlin with the German chancellor Angela Merkel. A bilateral summit organized in view of next week's meeting in Brussels, where the European Council will be called to discuss the 2014-2020 EU budget. Another preparatory meeting is scheduled for Sunday, when Monti will meet French President François Hollande at the Elysée Palace.
"Germany, France and Italy are the main net contributors to the EU budget", continued the Professor, underlining that "for us it is important that the Italian contribution is proportionate and fair compared to that of the other net contributors".
According to the Prime Minister, there is a particular need for “a reform of the refund and discount system which currently benefits some countries and is financed by others. The system must become more transparent and fair. These are complex problems which involve important interests of both the European Union and national ones”.
Monti therefore said he was "confident that once again it will be possible in a frank discussion in the Council to find balance points that will allow the construction of Europe to continue to assert itself and the various national positions to find proper recognition".
In any case, "for Italy it is essential that the next European budget be adequate to the conditions of the Union - concluded the premier - and promote growth and solidarity".
