Italy says talks with EU on Alitalia stalled, new plan needed

Italian Industry Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said Tuesday that negotiations with the European Commission over how to relaunch ailing carrier Alitalia were stalled and the government needed a new plan to keep it in business. Brussels and Rome have been in talks since the beginning of this year over Italy’s plan to restructure the airline through the launch of a new, state-owned company called ITA. “Alitalia’s situation was assessed in the light of the stalled talks with the European Commission,” Giorgetti said after meeting Alitalia’s special commissioners. “We therefore believe need a new plan of action is necessary... to allow the company to keep operating,” Giorgetti added, without saying what this plan might be. Flights to and from Italy have dwindled due to COVID-19, but Rome is hoping for a pick-up in time for the summer tourist season so that ITA can get off to a solid start. To keep the prospect alive and continue to pay Alitalia staff, the government could push on with the sale of its aircraft and other assets to ITA while it tries to break the stalemate with Brussels.<br/>