It is an ambitious, very ambitious programme, the one contained in the 81 pages that Matteo Renzi delivered to the European Parliament yesterday afternoon in Strasbourg, just before entering the chamber to present the Italian semester of presidency of the EU Council. A program which lists the many (too many?) priorities which will inspire Italy's action in Europe during these six months of presidency of a key body – the Council of the European Union, in fact – of the complex institutional architecture which together 28 Member States and 500 million citizens. A single body which however includes ten different "formations" (the equivalent of as many ministries in a national government) each of which is led by the corresponding minister of the member state to which the six-monthly presidency is entrusted. Presidency which, according to a schedule set a few years ago, falls to each of the 28 EU member countries in turn.
In this context, yesterday Renzi introduced an innovation. Instead of listing the objectives that Italy intends to achieve in these six months of presidency (which are contained in the document preliminarily delivered to the European Parliament), he preferred to offer himself the opportunity to pronounce - off the cuff, as is his habit - a broader discourse, full of captivating images and cultured references. A speech, repeatedly interrupted by the applause of the MEPs, to urge the national and community leaders to throw their hearts over the obstacle and thus restore "a soul to Europe". Ultimately, a speech to reaffirm the belief that, while respecting the rules that the European Union (and therefore the Member States) has given itself, financial rigor alone does not lead to economic growth or jobs.
And this is, of course, the leitmotif of the Italian presidency's work program for the semester that has just begun, as can be deduced from reading the document delivered to the European Parliament by our Prime Minister. A document that opens with the affirmation according to which in the semester that has just begun "the EU can lay the foundations for important progress in many sectors". How? Addressing today's major challenges. Which are "the recovery from the economic and financial crisis, the increase in employment, the strengthening of fundamental rights, support for European citizens to keep up with a rapidly changing world". In essence, the Italian presidency thus intends to "give new impetus to the European project".
Specifically, the Italian presidency, the document assures, "will make every possible effort to revitalize the Europe 2020 strategy for intelligent and inclusive growth". Focusing on reforms at national and European level (also with Community incentives) and on innovation, i.e. on the main tools to promote economic recovery. And, in this regard, the Italian presidency states that in matters of strategic decisions "coordination between states is no longer enough"; instead we need "more effective decision-making tools for joint action capable of obtaining concrete and measurable results".
And so - it being understood that the single currency, despite "a certain disillusionment" widespread among citizens, remains an indispensable cornerstone and that the Italian presidency "will continue its work to deepen and strengthen the economic and monetary union" - so that the answer European Union to the crisis is really effective, the document states, it will be crucial to improve industrial competitiveness and at the same time expand job opportunities.
On the first front, the Italian presidency "will contribute to outlining a framework that systematically includes the 'industrial renaissance' in all policies affecting competitiveness"; focusing above all on research and innovation, “pillars of sustainable growth and key factors for the competitiveness of European industry.
On the second, "it will concentrate its efforts on mobility, social dialogue, the creation of new jobs, the structural reform of the labor markets, investment in human capital"; with particular emphasis “on the full implementation of ongoing initiatives to combat youth unemployment”.
With a view to reconciling industrial policy, energy costs and the fight against climate change, the Italian presidency "will also promote a wider diversification of sources and routes, together with an external policy focused on the security of energy supply" and he expects to "reach an agreement on the new climate-energy framework at the European Council (the summit of heads of state or government - ed.) scheduled for next October".
The Italian presidency also intends to stimulate progress "towards a true single market for electronic communications and online services by enhancing digital infrastructures also in the public administration, promoting long-term projects and investing in digital skills". And work to "achieve a more effective financing framework for innovation through Horizon 2020, which has 80 billion to be used over the seven-year programming period that has just begun, the European Structural Funds, the financing funds and the opportunities offered by the European Bank for investment".
Finally, rightly looking at our country on whose southern borders enormous tragedies are taking place in a context of substantial indifference by the European partners, the Italian presidency sets itself the objective of "improving and strengthening the integrated management of external borders in full respect for fundamental rights". It also intends to work to pass new rules and seek new agreements on asylum. And above all to continue its efforts to promote genuine solidarity at European level. Lastly, he reiterated that the development of a common European migration policy combined with the European agenda for growth "remains a priority" for the Italian presidency.
