ITALIAN ELECTIONS: NO MAJOR IMPACT ON MFF TALKS.

Italy's general elections, scheduled on 24-25 February, should not have a major impact on the push to secure a deal on the EU's 2014-2020 multiannual financial framework (MFF), according to several concurring sources. Though no date has been confirmed for the long-term EU budget to be put on the European Council's agenda, the 7-8 February summit is touted as the most likely option. If so, Italian Premier Mario Monti will negotiate the deal. Given that Italy receives compensation on the expenditure side - through the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy - for its proportionally high contribution to the Union pot, the current prime minister has shown readiness to sign off on a deal...