Rehn’s one-day trip to Italy started with a visit to the parliament. He met members of budget and EU committees of both legislative chambers.
He expressed the hope that MPs would cooperate with each other.
“Italy needs to balance its budget, as well as to introduce structural changes. It is important that the reforms that have already been decided upon do pass. New actions are also needed,” Rehn said.
The commissioner stressed that the support of Italian lawmakers is crucial for curbing the European crisis.
Rehn also met with Italy’s new premier Mario Monti later in the day. On the discussion agenda were reforms that Italy needed to implement if it was to triumph over the crisis.
On Tuesday, the European Commission will submit a report about the situation in Italy to EU finance ministers. Monti’s government has until March to push reforms through the parliament. If the united front begins to give cracks, Italy is likely to face early elections next spring.