“The debate on austerity in public finance is sterile: we need to put the accounts in order, but we also need to grow. Countries that have more surpluses must have more room to boost European domestic demand. I talked about it with Van Rompuy and with Barroso”. This was stated by the President of the United States, Barack Obama, in the press conference held today in Rome together with Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, underlining that the United States "supports the Italian reforms" for growth and shares "the fight against youth unemployment", in the hope to "carry forward a transatlantic commercial alliance that will promote growth and innovation not only for large companies, but also for medium and small ones".
As for the Ukraine question, “we have talked about it for a long time and we continue to see unity of purpose against Russia's violation of international law – added the White House number one -. Important democratic reforms will be needed, but Ukraine can take a path similar to that of other countries, such as Poland, which have already entered a path of great growth. The International Monetary Fund has announced an agreement for a support plan for Ukraine, many millions of dollars will arrive and I ask the American Congress to do its part”.
At NATO level, Obama reiterated that "Italy and the United States will carry forward their responsibilities: the sanctions will continue if Russia continues along its path (we will try to minimize the impact on American and European companies), but we hope that Moscow decides to return to a democratic and peaceful path". In terms of expenditure, however, "everyone must do their part in relation to GDP, without imbalances", clarified the American President, recalling that defense investments in the United States are equal to 3% of GDP, while in Europe they do not go beyond 1%.
For his part, Renzi confirmed that “the cooperation between the United States and Europe continues in this very important moment of the Ukrainian crisis. In the G7 we met and shared the harsh protest against Russia's choices against international law: we gave a message of humility, strength and determination”.
Defense spending “will guarantee Italy the possibility of intervening where necessary, but we aim to reduce waste – explained the Premier -. I also appreciated that President Obama underlined the importance of deepening energy issues. I hope that during Italy's six-month presidency of the European Union progress can be made in the already strong economic cooperation between our countries", especially "in the ICT sector".
With reference to the story of the two marines, "I thanked the American President for his cooperation - continued Renzi -, but I also asked for further support to bring the issue ever more to the attention of the international community".
Finally, Obama underlined that “Italy is one of the great allies of the United States: we have a very strong bond that unites us. We are with you and with Europe. I am personally struck by the energy Matteo brings with him to this new position. I am sure that we will be able to further develop our relationship: our two nations will continue to grow with the friendship that has always bound them”.
