A focus on the contribution and concrete results that the European Union can expect from the Italian Presidency in the second half of the year. From reforms to external relations, from the economy to the post-European election period. These are the main topics for discussion at Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s meeting with the College of European Commissioners taking place today, 29 January 2014, in Brussels. Foreign Minister Emma Bonino is also attending the meeting, along with her colleagues the Ministers for European Affairs, Enzo Moavero Milanesi; the Economy and Finance, Fabrizio Saccomanni; and Territorial Cohesion, Carlo Trigilia.
Economic trends
The meeting will also examine broader economic trends at the European level. It also seek to identify what Italy can do – even with the European Parliament only recently installed in Strasbourg – to complete the work remaining to be done on a number of legislative dossiers. Key issues in this respect are the Single Market and how to take forward the reforms and the economic recovery.
External relations
Another topic for discussion will be the EU’s external relations, given the presence of Foreign Minister Emma Bonino. Political developments in Europe in coming months and the implications of the European elections for the Italian Presidency will also be examined.
