Rome is playing an important role in
the political renaissance underway in the Mediterranean area,
European Commission (EC) Vice President Margaritis Schinas told
ANSA on Thursday.
"Italy has been extremely helpful on the anthropocentric
policies of my portfolio: migration, public health, education,
culture," said Schinas 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," said Schinas.
"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 Premier 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.
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