EU has dropped disciplinary action against Italy on budget

ROME: Deputy Prime Minister Luigi Di Maio said on Wednesday the European Commission had decided to drop a threatened disciplinary procedure against Italy over its public finances.

Di Maio, leader of the ruling 5-Star Movement, said on Facebook that he thanked Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte for his work in negotiating with Brussels.

"A disciplinary procedure has been avoided that could have hurt the country," Di Maio said. "Italy didn't deserve that, and today's announcement brings justice to Italy and to this government."