Former MEP: Europe Can Play an Important Role If the 27 Actors Play Together as One (EXCLUSIVE)

• 05.05.2017, 17:57
•  Europe,  World,  Interview

"Armedia" IAA presents an exclusive interview with Alessandro Battilochio, a  former member of the European Parliament on the recent developments in the EU and its future. 

- What is your position on Brexit? Do you think it will weaken Europe and become a precedent for other EU countries?

- In 2017 we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Rome Treaties: 6 decades of peace, wealth and cooperation. The EU family started with 6 Member States and moved (thanks to the successful approach) up to 28. Now for the 1^st time a country is leaving: I cannot deny the crucial importance of such event. I think Great Britain will face some difficult challenges, also because probably a "Hard Brexit" not a "Soft Brexit" will take place. So the EU is reconsidering all the rules related to economic facilitations and exchanges: Great Britain will remain a "close friend", but not anymore "a member of the family". In the last years London, for sure, has been the capital of financial Europe. This situation is also going to change. In the long term, I think British citizens will realize that leaving the EU was a major mistake at the end of the game. But Europe, in this new version, must keep going and strengthen its links and programs with a renewed spirit, maybe closer to citizens

- According to you what are the main challenges that Europe faces now? Are proper actions being carried out to overcome them?

- Populism is arising all over Europe: it is a major risk for future integration. European recipes must be better presented to citizens: Europeans should be more aware of the advantages of being part of a common entity with 28...27 states and almost half billion people. Three other challenges that I personally see in the near future are - the immigration issue , the creation of a real common foreign policy (not just a High Representative without real powers and 27 different voices) and the new relationship with the US and Russia, in this new international scenery. The Treaties give the possibility to take actions in these fields, but at the moment not a great initiative has emerged, also because it is an electoral year in many countries. Next coming months will be really important.

- Every challenge is an opportunity. Isn't it high time for "updating" the EU policies to assure its further development?

- That's exactly the point. So far only in economic issues the States reached quite deep agreements. But it's really time for a political and social Europe, where all the States should bring their identity, for sure, but also actively participate in a wider common project. "Unity in diversity" is the motto of the European Union and I think it is also a guideline for the targets to reach in the near future. In a globalized world, the role of individual States has become weaker and weaker... Europe can play an important role, only if the 27 actors play "together as one". It's my wishful thinking.