Last update: 01/07/2011

Economic forecasts for Italy

The Commission publishes macroeconomic forecasts for the EU and the Member States twice a year, in the spring (May) and in the autumn (November). These forecasts are produced by the Directorate-General for Economic and Financial Affairs (DG ECFIN).

DG ECFIN also produces more limited "interim forecasts" in February and September, wich contain one-year projections of GDP growth and consumer price inflation for the euro area, the EU and seven large Member States.

>> Macroeconomic forecasts and interim forecasts

Monitoring the budgetary situation in Italy

1. Assessments of Italy's stability programme

As required by the Stability and Growth Pact, at the end of each year Italy submits an update of the medium-term fiscal strategy it first presented in 1998. Euro area Member States submit stability programmes while countries outside the euro area submit convergence programmes. Based on an assessment by the Commission prepared by DG ECFIN, the Council adopts an opinion on each programme.

>> All programmes of Italy, Commission assessments, Council opinions, working documents

2. The EU the excessive deficit procedure and Italy

>> Excessive deficit procedure for Italy
>> Related articles. Stability and Growth Pact

3. The Public finance report and Italy

The Commission's annual public finance report prepared by DG ECFIN – entitled "Public Finances in EMU" – includes a chapter on Italy.

Italy and the euro

Italy is a member of the euro area. It adopted the euro from the start in 1999.

>> The euro area
>> Italy and the euro

Italy and economic policy coordination in the EU

As part of the Europe 2020 strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive EU economy, Italy reports each autumn on the implementation of its national reform programme (NRP).

>> National reform programme and Commission assessment

ECFIN publications and Italy

1. The EU and Italy

>> EMU@10 website on Italy
>> EU Economy Review 2006 (European Economy 1/2006)

2. Country Focus on Italy

>> Italy's regional divide: does it matter also for exports? (June 2011 )
>> Italy's employment gap: the role of taxation (February 2010)
>> Stuck in a rut? Italy’s weak export performance and unfavourable product specialisation (May 2005 )
>> Relegated to the league of laggards? Roots of Italy's slow growth (April 2004)