In her letter to European leaders, Ursula von der Leyen opened the door to enhanced cooperation to avoid deadlocks caused by unanimity. Should we envisage a coalition of the willing also on EU reforms?
“I believe reforms can be carried out even without amending the Treaties, although I am personally in favour of doing so. We must act by doing what can be done today. We need to change the method and take decisions at political level”.
Bureaucracy, lack of simplification and overly lengthy procedures represent, according to estimates cited by the Commission President, an indirect cost equivalent to a 45% tariff for Brussels. In this late awakening of the EU, how significant is Donald Trump’s influence?
“Trump has given the EU a wake-up call, but we must always remember that he is the President of the United States. It is up to us Europeans to have the courage to turn the world’s largest economic market into a political actor as well. As for the bureaucratic burden, some progress is being made. My proposal is that for every new regulation, two should be repealed. We need fewer rules and greater freedom. Even in the automotive sector, more courage is needed, along with decisions that allow the EU to compete effectively”.
Tomorrow, the informal summit on competitiveness, strongly supported by Italy and Germany, will take place. What are your expectations?
“A new phase is beginning: Italy is a key player and aims to be one of the engines of the EU. Our relationship with Germany takes us back to what we were at the very beginning of the Union, with Adenauer and De Gasperi. The fact that Italy and Germany — the two most industrialised countries with stable governments — are committing to Europe’s economic growth through a joint document on competitiveness marks a turning point after years of deadlock linked to the Green Deal, which has caused damage”.
Sources close to the German government have suggested that expectations for the summit may be excessive…
“Of course, it is an initial meeting to begin addressing the role of Europe. We believe it is important to start with concrete issues that can signal a change of course, to be implemented already at the next European Council”.
For example?
“Certainly bureaucracy, but also fiscal policies focused on innovation: on this front, the European Union spends 1.5% of GDP, compared with 3.5% in the United States. The Prime Minister will present proposals. Another issue to be addressed is the euro–dollar exchange rate, given that China is attempting to expand its influence in financial markets with its currency”.
On the eve of the summit, President Macron called for Eurobonds, a proposal immediately rejected by Merz.
“I believe competitiveness must now be at the centre. We must start from the common ground that exists. We should not indulge in wishful thinking: let us lay the foundations and work so that the Council can take decisions on competitiveness”.
You were among those who most strongly pushed for an understanding with Berlin, first on migration and then on competitiveness. Can this new axis benefit the EU?
“I recall that Berlusconi’s first visit as Prime Minister in 1994 was to Bonn to meet Kohl. The relationship between Italy and Germany is longstanding. Moreover, Forza Italia and the CDU-CSU are part of the European People’s Party. For our government, it has been beneficial to be part of the largest European political family. As for cooperation between the two countries, Europe can only benefit. The aim is to build alliances, not to create an exclusive relationship, but to strengthen Europe’s influence both commercially and in terms of security”.
Recent reports suggest that Germany may withdraw from the FCAS project with France in favour of GCAP, the sixth-generation fighter that Italy is developing with Japan and the United Kingdom. What is your view? Is this another move that weakens Paris?
“I never rejoice in the difficulties of others. France is a friendly country, and we would be pleased to cooperate in initiatives in this field”.
Last week, there was a mission to Washington on critical raw materials, a topic you also discussed yesterday in a call with Commissioner Šefčovič. Any progress?
“There will also be a meeting with the Americans over the weekend. We are working with Commissioner Šefčovič, who will lead the negotiations. Italy was among the key players in Washington, not least because critical raw materials are fundamental to our economy. We need raw materials at competitive prices and it is essential to have strategies with partners who face the same challenges — such as the United States, Japan, and India”.
The decision to tie a confidence vote to the Ukraine decree: is it a show of strength against dissenters within your ranks?
“There are only three individuals involved; our approach is one of consistency”.
Does the possibility of a party halting aid concern you?
“We have always provided assistance and will continue to do so. This includes support of all kinds, primarily humanitarian”.
Commenting on Marina Berlusconi’s interview, you said that the party’s expansion is already under way. Is there more beyond dialogue with Calenda?
“We are strengthening our relations with the Radicals and opening up to civil society. Moreover, for the 50th anniversary of the European People’s Party we are organising a major event to broaden Forza Italia’s horizons. All initiatives encouraging action are welcome”.
Marina Berlusconi used strong words about Trump — isn’t that the case?
“These are personal opinions. She is an entrepreneur and must be free to express her views”.
Will there be a major final tour ahead of the justice referendum?
“We have convened the national secretary and will hold a national council on the matter. We are all committed to the referendum, with a campaign focused on explaining the reform in practical terms”.
Will the next step involve civil liability or ending prosecutors’ oversight of the judicial police?
“No, we are focusing on the referendum. No one intends to subordinate the judiciary to the Government”.
