“Italy has been extremely helpful on the anthropocentric policies of my portfolio: migration, public health, education, culture,” Schinas, a member of Greece’s right-wing New Democracy party, said during a two-day mission to Rome.
“I want to thank Rome and ask it to complete the work, especially on migrants,” he added.
“For the first time, the southern Mediterranean is not following the rest of Europe but is a protagonist,” Schinas said.
“There is a renaissance, a unique political opportunity, for the whole European Union, and Rome, Athens and Madrid are part of this renaissance,” he added.
On the EU-funded post-Covid National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), Schinas said “it is a success story and we are determined to keep it as such for Italy”.
“Whatever is needed to preserve it as a success story will be done,” he added.
On the controversial review of fiscal governance and ratification of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), the EC Vice President acknowledged Italy’s concerns.
“Now we are in a broader discussion on the revision of the rules of the Stability and Growth Pact,” he said.
“It is not for me to decide what is the best way or tactic for the government to get a response to its concerns,” Schinas added.
Italy has been holding out over ratification of the new ESM treaty amid concerns about budget sovereignty and claims the fund should also be used for growth.
Last week the Lower House approved a petition presented by the ruling coalition supporting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government for examination of a bill ratifying the reform of the bailout mechanism to be suspended for four months.
The government has also expressed concerns about the new Pact, arguing he focus is too much on stability and not enough on supporting growth.
ANSA
