The European Union needs a common defense fund, a strong industrial policy, a “non-ideological” green transformation and digital. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, in an interview published by the newspapers “La Nazione”, “Il Resto del Carlino” and “Il Giorno”. The leader of Forza Italia commented on the words of the French president Emmanuel Macron, which “basically says that the EU needs a paradigm shift in the way of thinking and acting in order not to fall behind the USA and China. This is nothing new, as it has been discussed for some time. In February 2017, when I was President of Parliament, we approved a series of ‘Economic Reports’ which provided for the Union’s own fiscal capacity and a common Treasury. Lastly, I remember the work of the ‘Conference on the Future of Europe’, also launched by the European Parliament. Then there are the proposals of the European People’s Party, and therefore of Forza Italia, which go in the same direction. We need an EU that acts quickly and has the tools to do so, starting with a larger budget. We need a common defense fund, a strong industrial policy, a non-ideological green transformation and digital. We must review all these projects, put them together, relaunch them, to strengthen the Union”, explained Tajani.
As for the European industrial “champions” proposed by the head of the Elysée, the head of the Farnesina recalled how in the past the French themselves have often “acted with a prevailing vision of the national interest”. “But now – he added – we need strong EU companies on a global scale. Our interests, even our ‘selfishness’ are better defended together. When I say EU I mean Europe and not just French or German or even just Italian giants. We need to create European supply chains of businesses that support our global giants. I think this is an efficient way to keep all member states within the European industrial system and exploit the great potential of SMEs.” According to Tajani, the most urgent reforms for the EU market are “a review of the competition rules, now 50 years old, and a less accommodating trade policy”. “As the EPP we work for a Europe with a more business-friendly tax system, for a competitiveness strategy that includes ‘Made in Europe 2030’, and for the development of an ambitious common industrial policy that protects critical infrastructures as well as our most innovative companies in the EU from unfair competition from China”.
Tajani believes that a common European defense is not in contradiction with NATO. “We are thinking about the harmonization of the defense industry and common programs and greater cooperation between the armed forces, towards a path of integration with an increase in missions under European aegis. We need a Defense Commissioner responsible for coordinating the defense policies of the member states, and Eurobonds are needed to find defense funds. And above all it is necessary to put an end to the unanimity rule in the EU Council”. “The objective – he underlined – is absolutely that of the European army, to protect European citizens and interests. We have to get there, but at the end of a journey, not at the beginning.” Finally, the minister recalled that today no one talks about leaving the EU or the euro anymore. “Brexit, with its dire consequences for Britain, has taught us all the benefits of being together. Even more so today, with challenges and crises on a global scale, no EU country would have the strength to make an impact alone. As the EPP we are a bulwark of the EU integration process. And we are the strongest political family in Europe. Let’s work so that the EU does not remain in the middle of the ford.”
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