Italy Rejoins EU Mainstream

When Romano Prodi, former European Commission president, was elected as Italy’s new prime minister, many expected him to provide new impetus to EU integration and reform.

At the time, though re-emphasizing Germany’s role in European integration, we still asserted: “Watch for Italy, under Prodi’s leadership, to aid Berlin in creating a more unified, streamlined, powerful Europe.”

The expectations are being fulfilled. Last Monday (May 29), Mr. Prodi visited the European Union capital in Brussels, declaring: “Today is the day of the rebirth of Italy’s pro-Europe policy.”

Financial Times quoted Prodi: “Our policy is devoted to getting back to the role traditionally played by Italy in European politics” (May 30).

He “said Italy would work to restore good relations with other European Union member states”—namely Germany—“in an attempt to build ties with a leader who has become the Union’s pivotal player.” Prodi hopes to repair the damage done by Italy’s previous government, which made disparaging remarks about Germans.

Talking to journalists while in Brussels, Prodi advocated a revision of the EU constitution text, saying the charter needs to be simplified “so that it is acceptable to all member states.” He stated, “It is impossible to go ahead with exactly the same text” (EUobserver.com, May 29).

Jose Manuel Barroso, the current Commission president, stated during Prodi’s visit that Italy would play a key role in “the relaunch of the idea of Europe.” Watch for Italy’s Europhile prime minister to make sure that happens. Watch him to work for a stronger, more streamlined core group of states making the key decisions regarding major EU policy. And watch for a cozier relationship to form between Italy and Germany—and for the two to work in tandem to strengthen the political unity and influence of the EU.