EU commission concerned about Italy's 'high government debt'

The European Commission said on Wednesday it was concerned about "persisting high government debt" in Italy.

The assessment comes as part of policy recommendations to EU member states following the submission of their national budgetary plans.

According to EU figures, the ratio of Italy's debt to gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to be at 132.1 per cent this year, significantly higher than the 60 per cent envisaged in the EU's legal framework.

"Several member states continue to shoulder high levels of public debt, which constrain their ability to invest for the future," Pierre Moscovici, the commissioner responsible for economic and financial affairs, said.

"These countries should use this opportunity to further strengthen their public finances, also in structural terms."

Overall the commission said that economic growth was accelerating strongly, with the eurozone "on track to grow at its fastest pace in a decade this year."