Britain, the Netherlands, Italy and nine other countries called on Monday for Europe to shift its focus from tough budget cuts towards measures to create growth as the region looks headed for its second recession in three years.
Germany and France, the euro zone's leading powers, did not sign the letter addressed to top European Union officials, which appeared to challenge the German-led drive for austerity first and likely signals a desire among other EU members to show they can also set the agenda outside the Franco-German axis.
It was the second time in a month that Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, an economist praised by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for his strong measures to handle Rome's own debt crisis, has criticized the north European approach on budgets.
For more: itain, Netherlands call for EU to focus on growth - chicagotribune.com
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