The European Commission is expected to open a disciplinary procedure over Italy 's spiralling debt , but offer six months for the country 's government to address its most pressing economic shortfalls , rather than two , according to the minutes of an EU meeting . But many in Italy want to avert the EU disciplinary action, which could push up the cost of servicing its debt, the EU’s second highest in proportion to output after bailed-out Greece. In 2016 , Italy 's debt reached more than 132 % of GDP , far beyond the legal limit of 60 % , and is expected to grow even further . Economic commissioner Pierre Moscovici said the decision to give delays until next January aimed to prevent the EU 's position from being " exploited for political ends in certain quarters in Italy " .
The European Commission is expected to open a disciplinary procedure over Italy 's spiralling debt , but offer six months for the country 's government to address its most pressing economic shortfalls , rather than two , according to the minutes of an EU meeting . In 2016 , Italy 's debt reached more than 132 % of GDP , far beyond the legal limit of 60 % , and is expected to grow even further . Economic commissioner Pierre Moscovici said the decision to give delays until next January aimed to prevent the EU 's position from being " exploited for political ends in certain quarters in Italy " .