Italy to use escape clause for energy investments, says Meloni

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 21 - Premier Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday that Italy will use the escape clause created by the European Commission after Italy called for the flexibility in the Stability and Growth Pact for defence spending to be extended to energy investments in the wake of the price spikes triggered by the Iran war. Her office said that the decision was made during a meeting with the leaders of the other parties supporting her ruling coalition. "There was full agreement on the proposal to make use of the greater flexibility allowed by European rules and to concentrate greater spending capacity over the next two years on combating high energy costs," the statement said. (ANSA).