EU agreement will increase concerns about Italian debt
Subject EU-Italy tension. Significance On April 9 the Eurogroup (EU finance ministers) reached an agreement worth 550 billion euros (602 billion dollars) to help governments and businesses deal with the immediate impact of COVID-19. However, they failed to agree on a recovery package, which has been the main source of tension between northern and southern member states, in particular creating conflict between the Netherlands and Italy. The incomplete nature of the agreement, coupled with the negative political reaction in Italy, has alarmed the markets. Impacts Differing COVID-19 reconstruction requirements across the EU will make it more difficult to reach a consolidated recovery plan. Italy has little leverage to press for what it wants from the Eurogroup, as conflict with other euro-area members would alarm investors. The ECB may be inclined to do everything it can to help Italy, knowing the potential political impacts of forcing Rome to use the ESM.