The Italian government will take measures to prevent speculation on energy prices.

In a speech delivered in the Parliament of Rome, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that her government is prepared to implement all necessary measures to prevent speculative behaviors related to energy prices. Among these measures is the introduction of taxes on the exceptional profits of energy companies. Meloni emphasized that discussing a possible temporary suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact should not be taboo, proposing a general measure, not individual exemptions for member states.

The statements come in the context in which the Italian government is preparing to revise downwards its growth forecasts for 2026, thus complicating the reduction of the deficit below 3% of GDP, according to the requirements of the European Union. Although the European Union activated a general safeguard clause between 2020 and 2023 to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, it can only be used in the event of a severe recession, a scenario not anticipated by analysts.

Meloni reiterated that Italy will take measures to prevent speculation in the energy market, including additional taxes, considering the previous disputes with the affected companies.