Italy parliament passes budget after EU standoff

ROME, Dec 30 (BBC): Italy's parliament has approved a revised budget for 2019, amid opposition complaints that it was dictated by the EU.

The country's populist government had originally vowed to push through costly campaign promises including a universal basic income.

But in October, the European Commission (EC) raised concerns about the impact of such spending on Italy's debt levels.

Rome was told to revise its budget, or face fines and disciplinary action.

Under a deal struck with the Commission last week, Italy lowered its planned budget deficit from 2.4 per cent of GDP to 2.04 per cent - less of a reduction than European officials had hoped for.

The value of its concessions is understood to be a little more than €10 bbillion (£9b).

The Senate approved the budget last week, and the lower house of parliament passed the revised proposals in a confidence vote on Saturday, with 327 votes in favour, 228 against, and one abstention.