How local governments use the hundreds of billions of euros of funds Italy is due to get from the European Union will be crucial for the country's economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, foreign minister Luigi Di Maio tweeted on Thursday.
"There are 209 billion euros from the recovery fund for Italy to use. And it will be vital for local governments to spend the money on digitalisation, the environment, infrastructure and on more social benefits for the young and not so young, the disabled and on children," Di Maio wrote.
The funds (made up of grants and low-interest loans funded by jointly issued debt) come with strict EU conditions and are to be invested in priority areas including the digital and green economy, infrastructure, education and reform of Italy's public administration.
