The European Commission moved to postpone the third tranche of the European crisis relief fund allocated to Italy, amounting to 19,000 million euros, due to ongoing concerns about milestones, targets, and the overall complexity of the reform plan. Officials indicated that a supplementary assessment would be necessary to ensure the package is spent in line with agreed conditions and performance benchmarks. The decision to extend the evaluation period by one additional month was reached after consultations between Brussels and Rome, reflecting a shared view that continued work would help secure a positive outcome for payment disbursement.
Sources familiar with the discussions told Europa Press that the extension was intended to give more time for thorough review. The original timeline contemplated a three-month evaluation period, with a parallel framework similar to Spain that allowed for a four-month window to account for the intricacies involved and to ensure that all evidence submitted by Italy could be assessed properly. The delay underscores how the European Union seeks to balance timely relief with rigorous verification for large investment programs.
Italy has so far received two payments, totaling 45,900 million euros in sum, and had requested the third tranche in December. The payout hinges on a positive evaluation by the Community Manager and the approval of other EU partners. The unfolding process illustrates the EU’s insistence on transparent progress reporting and adherence to reform milestones before further funds are released.
The Brussels assessment was initially scheduled to conclude between late February and early March. While Italy’s authorities provided payments between April and May, the bloc and Rome have now agreed to extend the plan for another month. This additional period is intended to refine the reform roadmap and address any remaining questions that could affect the positive evaluation required for the next disbursement. The broader objective remains to support Italy while safeguarding the integrity of the aid framework and ensuring that funds are directed toward tangible reforms and sustainable economic improvements. [EU sources attribution]