Italy's Renzi says to use EU presidency to push for budget flexibility pact

FLORENCE Italy (Reuters) - Italy will propose offering European Union member states that undertake structural reform more flexibility on budget rules when Rome assumes the presidency of the 28-member bloc later this year, Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Friday.

Renzi has trod a careful line on budget policy since taking office in February, insisting that Italy will meet all its commitments on EU deficit rules while criticising the heavy focus on fiscal policy that has characterised the bloc's response to the crisis.