An inclusive Europe

The beliefs of a convinced Europeanist, who developed his understanding of Community integration before being appointed Economics University Professor, his decade-long office as EU Commissioner, and finally, his present capacities as premier "of one of the EU founding countries". The presence of Italian Premier Mario Monti in Strasbourg strengthens the image of a "technician" borrowed by the political realm, who passionately believes in Europe.The euro currency unites, it doesn’t divide. In his address at the European Parliament on February 15, speaking off the cuffs and debating with MEPs in Italian, English and French, Prime Minister Mario Monti said: "As soon as I was elected premier, I accepted German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Sarkozy’s proposal of stepping up cooperation" on pressing issues regarding the ongoing economic crisis. But I did so "reiterating that it would have to grounded within Community methods, in full respect of the EU institutions". Monti said there are no "goodies" and "baddies", "virtuous or less virtuous" EU member States. He reiterated his esteem for EU institutions; addressed various issues ranging from the situation in Greece to the ongoing reforms in Italy, from budgetary discipline imposed by the "fiscal compact" to "growth-boosting measures". Notably, he underlined the cornerstones of integration. "The EU should always be inclusive, not exclusive. We must erect bridges uniting the countries" also in difficult circumstances such as the present ones, marked by the crisis of the Euro zone. "The euro currency – the prime minister added – is the most ambitious development of Community integration"; "we must not allow it to become the cause of divisions". While vouching for extending a hand to Greece, Monti stressed the Country’s past mistakes (wrong political administration, corruption, fiscal evasion, nepotism…). For Italy and the EU. The premier delved into the situation of Italy, in the limelight ever more often recently as its increased public debt is reason for concern. Italy is "coming out of the shadows" thanks to the reforms adopted over the past few months, the premier said. "It will no longer represent a problem for Europe". As regards the country’s austerity package and disciplinary reforms Monti pointed out that such “sacrifices” are not imposed by the EU, "they are necessary for the future of this country, for our sons and daughters". He underlined: "I cannot separate my responsibility as prime minister towards this country from that of Italian towards the European Union". Delving into the "suffered" decision of not supporting Rome’s candidacy as the seat of the 2020 Olympic games, Monti remarked: "the imperative for Italy today is to avoid shifting the burden on the next generations". Subsidiarity, no to a super State. In the framework of current political issues (shortly after his speech in the EP, Monti took part in a Eurogroup "phonecall" on Greece – the next meeting of financial ministers of eurozone countries is scheduled for February 20) the Italian premier expressed his position: "fiscal discipline alone is not enough: it should be accompanied by measures to boost growth", some of which don’t require further sacrifices, he said referring to the workings of the European single market and the launch of stability bonds. The perplexities of euro-sceptics were conveyed in the European Parliament, with criticisms of Monti’s speech. He replied: "European integration is linked to democracy", and it requires the correct adoption of the principle of subsidiarity so as to harmonize national and community responsibilities, to the benefit of European citizens. In response to the criticism of a British MEP, Monti replied, amidst the assembly’s applause: "Only a superficial and insular culture can be so naïve as to believe that integration means the creation of a super State".The remarks of the political groups. "The Italian government is liberating its national economy from oppressing burdens", "highlighting resources and unexpressed potentials", Joseph Daul, leader of the EPP group at the European Parliament is the first to welcome Monti’s speech. Liberal-Democrat leader Guy Verhofstadt conveyed his appreciation for Monti’s speech and said: "We can finally say we have a true federalist as president of the European Council". Criticism to Monti’s speech was conveyed by British Conservative Martin Callanan, ("Solution comes from growth, you say, but these are just words"), and by the far Left group, whose vice-president Patrick Le Hyaric said that "the discipline we are talking about is only for the people and not for the financial actors". Maros Sefcovic, who attended on behalf of the European Commission, said: Monti’s government has adopted a broad range of measures on taxation, pensions and public administration that have helped stabilise her position".