ROME (Reuters) – Any sanctions the European Union may impose on Moscow in the event of military aggression against Ukraine should not affect energy imports, Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi said on Friday, whose country imports 90% of the gas it consumes, mostly from Russia.
“We are discussing sanctions with the EU and during these discussions we have made known our position that they should focus on limited sectors, not including energy,” said the head of government. Italian at a press conference.
Mario Draghi, who presented a package of support measures for households and businesses on the Peninsula in the face of soaring energy prices, added, however, that his government was examining supply routes other than Russia for its gas. .
Russian President Vladimir “Putin has raised the possibility that Russia will continue to guarantee its supplies to Italy and increase them if necessary,” added Mario Draghi.
The Italian government on Friday adopted a package of measures worth 6 billion euros to help households and businesses cope with soaring energy prices, as part of an 8 billion plan to support the economy.
These measures are in addition to some 10 billion euros in aid already granted to the State budget since last July to mitigate the sharp rise in oil and gas prices.
During his press conference, Mario Draghi added that his government was also putting in place support measures for the automotive sector.
The financing of these new devices will not require new loans, specified the Minister of the Economy, Daniele Franco, during the same press conference.
“The deficit this year will not exceed the target of 5.6% of gross domestic product,” he said.
(Report Giuseppe Fonte and Crispian Balmer; French version Jean-Stéphane Brosse)
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