The European Commission has called on the euro zone's three biggest economies to tighten their budgets further to ensure they meet strict EU budgetary rules.
Germany, France and Italy all came in for renewed criticism in the commission's latest assessment of their economies despite their vows to meet a euro zone deficit target of 3% of gross domestic product this year.
Germany was at least singled out for praise for launching 'remarkable structural reforms' that should put its finances in order over the medium term.
Today's report assessed EU member states' compliance with the EU's Stability and Growth Pact. It said France, like Germany, is on course to bring its deficit under the 3% limit this year. 'But the budgetary situation remains vulnerable,' the report said.
Italy received the most adverse comment for posting 'somewhat optimistic' growth assumptions and relying on one-off measures to raise revenue.
The report said Ireland's budgetary position came well within the EU guidelines.
