Juncker says Commission won't pursue stupid austerity

(ANSA) - Strasbourg, February 3 - European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said Wednesday that the EU executive will not pursue "stupid austerity policies" when it assesses member States budgets. "It's right for the Commission to examine the State budgets as stipulated by the treaties," Juncker said. "It will conduct its role without following stupid austerity policies. There is plenty of flexibility to permit balances that respect the rules". The Commission is set to say in the spring whether it has granted Italy's request for flexibility in the application of the EU's budget laws for spending related to asylum seekers.