The recent elections in Italy show a changed political landscape and a significant change in the makeup of parliament. As co-founder of the EU, historical pro-integration partner, and sharing many common values, Germany is observing this change with particular interest, especially with its own elections coming up this autumn.
Just one week after the elections in Italy, European Movements Italy and Germany invite high-level representatives from both countries to a dialogue on the future of the EU on 1-2 March 2013 in Rome. Both chapters of European Movement wish to use this momentum to discuss new democratic governance for the EU from the euro zone, as well as the interests for the economy, the world of business and civil society in a politically integrated Europe. In short: a discussion about cooperation that will lead to a process of reform for the European Union.
The road to the Convention on the Future of Europe should be cleared in the not-too-distant future, and the concrete implementation of the project relies on election outcomes and the will of Member States, among many other factors. Political union must be based on a strong initiative with a parliamentary decision. A useful tool for this could be the convocation of the ‘Assizes’ before the next European elections in spring 2014.
One week after the elections and the Italian President’s visit to Germany, influential figures from the worlds of politics, business and civil society from both countries descend on Rome to address these issues. President Napolitano will actively take part in the meeting, as well as former Vice-President of the European Convention and former Prime Minister Giuliano Amato, and President of European Movement International Jo Leinen. The event takes place under the patronage of the Italian Minister for Europe Enzo Moavero Milanesi and representatives from the Foreign Office.
The Movements are sure, that the German-Italian Debate on the Future of the EU will bring concrete results, which will give European integration new momentum.
Today Italy and Germany are once again charged with the large task of safeguarding that what has been achieved so far and to establish themselves again as midfielders for a future united Europe.
Letter in German, please click here