He’s thought-about one of many fathers of the euro and a staunch supporter of EU enlargement. As a former president of the European Fee, and two-time prime minister of Italy, Romano Prodi has referred to as on EU leaders to indicate braveness within the face of the present political and well being challenges posed by Brexit and COVID-19 – points which have rocked Brussels.
Alberto de Filippis from Euronews’ Italian service spoke to the previous Italian politician and tutorial to get his views on a few of the greatest challenges in Europe’s in tray.
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“Professor, you held the highest job within the European Union and have all the time been one of many European undertaking’s greatest promoters, however now you appear relatively essential. You’ve got criticised the idea of unanimity within the bloc’s decision-making processes, stating that no democratic system can function on this means. Is the Union now not working?
Romano Prodi:
“I’ve all the time thought-about unanimity to be very very, unhealthy, so what you’re saying is true. You can not govern on this means. It’s insupportable not having a correct international coverage, to have Turkey and Russia accountable for Libya, to not know what selections to take as a result of we should determine all the pieces unanimously, ever because the conflict in Iraq. I’m sure some European international locations perceive that. Germany, France, Italy and Spain would have the ability to kind the primary group, to lastly transfer issues ahead in European politics.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
Europe is commonly accused of being a large with ft of clay. After we take a look at Ukraine, the issues at Belarus’ border, and the difficulty of gasoline provide from Russia. Excluding the US and China, how do you suppose Europe interacts with different vital powers?
Romano Prodi:
“On the one hand, there’s a loyalty to the Atlantic Alliance which has united European international locations from the start. After which, in my opinion, there may be additionally a constancy that’s crucial and helpful, however passive. One has to say European politics shouldn’t be made by Europe. It’s determined elsewhere by others. For my part, even NATO wants a European military. It’s the explanation why we complained about not being warned in regards to the withdrawal from Afghanistan. An alliance doesn’t exist the place an ally shouldn’t be warned.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“The Union has gone via numerous crises in its historical past however the present conflict between Brussels and international locations like Poland and Hungary appears probably extra damaging. How do you suppose this may finally be resolved?”
Romano Prodi:
“There’s a conflict over the basic guidelines of the European Union, however I’m strongly satisfied Poland and Hungary will perceive what they’re doing is improper. There’s a progressive consciousness. Democracy is about having endurance, democracy is endurance, and I can see the state of affairs altering in these international locations, so I’m optimistic.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“Since Brexit, there’s been a reshaping of the roles in some methods for international locations in Europe. For example, the brand new Treaty between France and Italy. Is the so-called Franco-German engine now outdated? Is there any purpose for it to exist?”
Romano Prodi:
“No, removed from it. Europe can’t go ahead with out the 2 pistons of the engine which are France and Germany. However Italy can be a important a part of this engine – along with France, Germany and Spain.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“Let’s speak slightly about cash. Structural reforms are required to faucet into the COVID-19 Restoration Fund. The cash is linked to reform. This isn’t principle, however a crucial situation. What’s your view?”
Romano Prodi:
“For my part, reform is the one means out of this disaster. I’m satisfied about this. Some financial advances have been made however these steps haven’t been taken in politics. The message could be very clear: everybody should play their half for progress. There isn’t a different means out, aside from to make reforms. These reforms weren’t carried out out of spite, however to proceed in a homogeneous, unitary means. I’m satisfied the European Union should use all of the powers at its disposal to verify these reforms are carried out.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“It’ll quickly be the twentieth birthday of the only foreign money. Let’s briefly assess that. May one thing have been carried out higher or in another way twenty years in the past?”
Romano Prodi:
“It obtained off to an ideal begin. However then, on account of a number of crises, due to sure selections, issues turned bitter and the euro misplaced a few of its shine. I imagine that the necessity for the euro remains to be very sturdy and at the moment it is among the most vital world currencies, even when it isn’t on a par with the greenback, as we’d have hoped. However, it’s definitely not a minor participant.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“The race for the Italian presidency will quickly happen. There are requires Mr Draghi to handle the restoration as Prime Minister and likewise change into President of Italy. How do you suppose this may play out?”
Romano Prodi:
“I don’t know as a result of I do not know what’s going on in Draghi’s thoughts. A aware alternative have to be made, in a peaceable nation, with out political upheaval. Apart from that, on the subject of such private selections, these needs to be left to the person. The very first thing to ask is: what are your intentions? Many individuals suppose that the present president Sergio Mattarella will keep in workplace. Mr Mattarella has all the time stated that he’ll depart on the finish of his precise mandate. Draghi will declare his intentions quickly.”
Alberto de Filippis, Euronews:
“You’ve got just lately written a brand new guide declaring your love for Europe. Are you able to inform us about a few of the issues you might be most keen on and why?”
Romano Prodi:
“I clearly begin by speaking about my metropolis Bologna. A metropolis which has hosted college students from throughout Europe because the center ages. Europe has gone via horrible occasions: the tragedy of the wars, the strain between two horrible world wars. It was solely till nice statesmen realised historical past needed to change. They wrote the Ventotene Manifesto and the journey started. These are emotional moments. There are additionally moments of enjoyable, like Zidane’s headbutt in the course of the 2006 World Cup. After which there are issues just like the Erasmus programme, the euro. European historical past is typically tousled, however it is usually thrilling.”
