Renzi pushes for EU culture plan outside Stability Pact constraints

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has proposed a European extraordinary plan for culture that would be exempt from Stability Pact restrictions and integrated into a rethinking of Jean-Claude Juncker's investment program. The proposal was made during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President François Hollande aboard the Garibaldi cruiser, with a stop at Ventotene to honor Altiero Spinelli. Italian Culture Minister Dario Franceschini supported the initiative, stating it fills a years-long gap in EU policies and emphasizing culture's role in integration, building a common European identity, and countering populism and anti-European sentiment. Franceschini also framed culture as a tool against terrorism, arguing it can protect lifestyles and dialogue between cultures. He noted that Brexit could push Europe to create a stronger alternative market for cultural content. The plan aims to cover cultural heritage protection, art tourism, and creative industries financing.