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Today in Germany: A Roundup of the Latest News on Wednesday
On Wednesday, the Cabinet meets to approve Italy's 2027 budget bill. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti confirmed the plan, which leverages the European Union's "National Escape Clause" to temporarily increase the fiscal deficit.
Italy will tap the NEC to finance roughly half of the budget's measures. This temporary exemption allows higher deficits, enabling the government to boost defense spending and investments to make the economy greener.
Italy's budget deficit is estimated to rise to 3.4% of gross domestic product next year, declining to 3.2% by 2028. Financial institutions are expected to contribute around €5 billion through higher taxes under the Draft Budgetary Plan published this month.
Coalition partners have proposed specific measures: Matteo Salvini's League party is pushing to lower the pension age to 64, while Forza Italia has called for lower income taxes above the €50,000 threshold.
Giorgetti said the budget must deliver "what is possible, not the impossible," accounting for "a geopolitical reality which has weighed heavily on us in recent years." Officials are working "day and night" to finalize the arrangements.