Italian Premier Conte calls aid a victory for EU backers

Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte says that securing large-scale investments from the European Union for Italy's recovery from the coronavirus pandemic will be ''a victory'' for all supporters of European institutions.

Conte spoke to reporters in Rome after the first day of consultations aimed at devising a detailed program to help Italy emerge from the health and economic crisis resulting from the spread of the virus and the long lockdown that halted non-essential economic production.

The head of the EU's executive arm, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the meeting in Rome via video.

She said that Europe's recovery plan could provide Italy with the opportunity to ''address long-standing challenges affecting the Italian economy,'' including slow growth and high public debt.

The premier invited all Italian political parties, trade unions, industry organizations, business groups and international agencies to participate in what is expected to be more than a week of discussions. The government's political opposition has refused to participate.

Conte appealed in particular to League leader Matteo Salvini to work with the government to help ensure the strongest possible package of investments from the EU.

Conte noted the reluctance of EU members in central Europe like Hungary to endorse an aid program that gives the most money to countries hardest hit by the coronavirus, such as Italy and Spain.

Right-wing leader Salvini has maintained ties with euroskeptic leaders outside of Italy.