(ANSA-AFP) - STRASBOURG, APR 23 - European Union lawmakers on
Tuesday backed new budgetary rules aimed at boosting investment
while keeping spending under control despite fierce criticism
from leftwing groups. Brussels spent two years negotiating an
overhaul of its budget rules that pitted fiscally hawkish states
against the bloc's most indebted nations. A majority of
lawmakers backed the new rules during a session of the European
Parliament in Strasbourg, France. It will become official once
the EU's 27 member states endorse the text. Leftwing MEPs claim
the reform will bring in further austerity in Europe, but the
bill had the backing of the three biggest political groups in
parliament including socialists and conservatives. Once in
place, the EU believes the looser rules will keep the bloc on a
sound financial footing, while giving greater leeway for
investment in critical areas like the green and digital
transitions, as well as defence. (ANSA-AFP).
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