Van Rompuy says to Letta: Italy should continue with reforms and ensure stability

On a visit to Rome the President of the European Council recognizes our country’s efforts but asks us to continue to “restore competitiveness.” The Prime Minister: “We are on the right track”

Italy needs political stability and our country must continue its efforts for economic recovery and fiscal consolidation because “the existential crisis of the euro is behind us” but much remains to be done. This is what Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council said to the Italian Prime Minister, Enrico Letta on his official visit to Rome. Italy is doing great things (Van Rompuy recalls that his last time in Rome was “six months ago and Italy had just come out of the excessive deficit procedure”), but now “these efforts must be maintained, establishing renewed political stability, an improvement during reforms to restore competitiveness.” To continue along the course of reform and balanced budgets “is the precondition for returning to sustainable growth and creating jobs.” “We believe we are on the right track to keeping budgets in order and not stifling the recovery which is absolutely necessary,” answered Letta, according to whom “Italy is committed to obtaining a legislature of growth, which will begin with the election of the European Parliament and with the Italian Presidency of the EU – after 5 years of everyone being focused entirely on addressing the crisis and austerity policies.”

But the President of the European Council also asked Letta to assume a leadership role well before the Italian Presidency. Already beginning with the summit at the end of December, when the member states will have to discuss sensitive issues, such as the common defense, Italy will be the protagonist. “Italy plays a key role in the agenda,” notes Van Rompuy. “I’m happy with Italy’s dynamic role and contribution in these discussions, which shows Italy’s efforts for a European military crisis management.”  Van Rompuy therefore expects a constructive role from our country in the six months that will have the Presidency of the EU Council (July-December 2014). Up against a European Parliament that will probably have the most Eurosceptic configuration ever, “we must strive to bring home results.” This means “first tangible results and better prospects.” According to Van Rompuy, these are “the best remedies against fear and despair.” And populist impulses.

Renato Giannetti