Italy to pull out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative – Europe live

Italy was the only G7 country to have joined the program, which focuses on trade and infrastructure

Italy has informed China that it is pulling out of the Belt and Road Initiative, Reuters reported.

Italy is the only G7 country to have joined the programme, which focuses on trade and infrastructure.

Asked about the policy topics, citizens want the European Parliament to prioritise the fight against poverty and social exclusion (36%) and public health (34%) as the main topics, followed by action against climate change and support to the economy and creation of new jobs (both 29%).

Most Europeans (53%) wish the European Parliament to play a more important role, a majority view in 21 Member States.

The majority (57%) also expressed interest in the upcoming elections to the EP and 68% say they would be likely to vote if European elections were held in a week's time - nine points higher than 5 years earlier.