The De Gasperi model and mediation: Fitto the pro-European at the EU Parliament

Brussels – Members of Parliament, in the end, applauded in a thunderous and heartfelt manner Raffaele Fitto when the designated executive vice president for Cohesion quotes Alcide De Gasperi, among the founding fathers of the European Union, a figure he says inspires him “his commitment to Europe” and whom he invites to take as a model. He was a politician “to whom we must look for a credible perspective,” he said, concluding a hearing characterized by prudence and commitment. Fitto is careful not to play the role of government man; he insists on his past in the ranks of the Christian Democrats, a party known to have been a member of the EPP of a very different but no less ambitious Europe.

Fitto also insists on a readiness for dialogue and a pro-European and pro-Europeanist commitment. To those who point out that Italy’s Cohesion Policy, for which he will soon be responsible, has been centralized, Fitto notes that “it was agreed on with the European Commission.” A response that reflects the desire to engage in dialogue, the ability to be constructive, and remain within the framework of the EU and its institutional structure.

On a personal level, he reiterates his commitment to a new Cohesion Policy, “more flexible and less onerous,” SME-friendly because “it must be simplified first and foremost for small and medium-sized enterprises, to enable them to be able to take advantage of funds.” He also reiterates his commitment to whatever he can do because the political agenda will not depend only on him or the Commission. Redefining the EU budget is an exercise where member states have much more say, as are choices on an enlargement that will inevitably impact the resources found so far for the regions. Therefore, he insists on the need to “work together.” In doing so, Fitto is already reasoning as a member of the Commission, offering support to Parliament, which, overall, is ready to support him.

The executive vice-president-designate knows what is at stake and promises to remain steadfast and true to the twelve-star fundamentals. “Cohesion policy is at the heart of European integration,” Fitto emphasized, reaffirming his intention not to proceed in the opposite, disruptive direction. On the contrary, in line with a clear and broader European agenda, “We must make the regions accessible, and, for this, we need a digital connection,” in line with EU commitments and the need for integration.

The hearing of the Italian candidate took place in a relaxed atmosphere, with a few attacks from the benches of the Greens and the Left group. However, Fitto assures everyone that his “commitment is to represent the Commission.” He wants this to be crystal clear and to dispel any doubt: “I am not here to represent either a political party or a country, and I do not believe that any other member of the college intends to do so.” Words also meant to shrug off a label that associates his party, Fratelli d’Italia, with unconventional positions and that seek to reassure about him as a person.

“I find it useless to discuss the past. My commitment to Europe is reliable.” This is a key moment in the Minister for Cohesion and Reform’s hearing. Recalling that in his capacity as minister, he participated in the dialogue on the rule of law, which he considers fundamental. Fitto guarantees that if elected, he will work for “multi-level governance” of cohesion policies, strengthening “relations between central and local governments,” as the European Committee of the Regions also calls for.

Fitto steps into the role of a member of the incoming college. He points out that since the Meloni government appointed him to the role, he has always refrained from taking a position. “I have never made a statement. I don’t go into national issues.” This is because the role requires it as proof of a deliberately emphasized ability to act as an Italian and to think as a European. He does it in Italian the entire time. Just an introduction in English, reading a written text, and then he puts himself forward for a post that seems increasingly within reach, judging from a tension-free hearing.

The reference to De Gasperi at the end of the session is the closing of a Fitto whose goal was to convince about the centrality of Europe in his agenda, not the personal one but the collegial one. In this sense, he wants to be clear, especially with the EPP: “The Green Deal is a commitment that we must guarantee, but the objectives revisited because rigidity takes us nowhere.”