Muharem Rusiti
June 2024
Italy has been a member of the European Union (EU) since its inception. However, in recent years, it has not been as active and assertive as some other member states such as Germany, France, or Poland for instance, and appears to have taken a back seat in terms of its role within the Union.
Now, especially as Italy faces diverse issues connected to its EU membership and as Brussels has been navigating through diverse turbulences and experiencing a loss internal unity and influence on the international stage, Italy’s role in the international stage is under microscopic scrutiny. Partially fueled by geopolitical tensions, economic downturn, the Brexit referendum, an illegal immigration crisis, and different Eurosceptic movements, the question of leadership within the bloc becomes increasingly critical. Among the diverse members, Rome stands poised to play a more prominent role – one that could yield substantial benefits for both Italy and the Union.
In this article, we shall explore and argue why Italy should assume a more leading and assertive role within the European Union, list some major cards that the Mediterranean country has to play at the EU table, and outline the benefits that a more proactive Italian role could bring for both Rome and the broader European community.
Economic Growth and Budgetary Management
Italy boasts the ninth largest economy in the world,[1] [2] the third biggest within the EU,[3] and is the third overall funder and a net-contributor to the EU budget [4] [5] [6] [7], trailing only Germany and France. Furthermore, according to a recent study, in the last 10 years (2014-2023), Rome was the G7 economy with the strongest GDP growth pro capita (+1.1% average per year) after the US (+1.7%), well ahead of Berlin and Paris (+0.7%).[8] Moreover, Italy has not only one of the largest and fastest growing economies in Europe and the world but also one of the most diversified, as the Mediterranean country is an eminence in various sectors, including automotive, manufacturing, finance and banking, fashion, tourism, and food and beverage, and has a highly educated and skilled workforce, making it a hub for innovation and creativity.
Additionally, despite the unjust and unfairly diffused stigma, deleterious media coverage, and the spread of negatively biased narratives, Italy has been one of the few EU member states which has consistently had a national budgetary surplus over the last decades, showcasing its unrivaled financial mastery: “The high level of Italian public debt is due to legacy debt from the 1980s and 1990s. Since the mid-1990s, however, the various Italian governments have made considerable efforts to reduce the debt burden, even if this is usually ignored in the media: Since 1995, the Italian government has achieved a substantial primary surplus almost continuously; in other words: excluding interest payments, government revenue has exceeded government expenditures. Since 1995, the Italian state has posted a primary surplus in 24 out of 25 years; the crisis year 2009 was the only exception so far. […] Since the introduction of the euro, Germany, Austria and the Netherlands have had significantly lower and less sustained primary surpluses than Italy. Nevertheless, in these three countries one narrative still dominates public discourse, namely that the Italians are to blame themselves if they can do less to support their economy in the current [Coronavirus] situation than the northern euro countries. […] Italy: no other country has so consistently run up primary surpluses since the introduction of the euro. […] Italy’s persistent aggregate demand and productivity misery is also a consequence of the shortcomings of the institutions and rules in the Euro area. While Italy has not been able to pursue a tailor-made monetary and exchange rate policy to support economic development since joining the euro, the restrictive European fiscal rules and austerity requirements of the EU Commission (and the ECB) have also systematically tied the hands of national fiscal policy in the years before the Corona crisis – based on controversial technocratic assessments.” [9]
Considering all these aspects, the Italian government has not only the right but also the duty to take a more leading and firmer stance when it comes to directing EU fiscal and budgetary policies and demand a more just a fair conduct of European technocrats towards their country.
Furthermore, due to its economic prowess, resilience, and creativity Italy possesses the capacity to wield significant influence in shaping global trade, investments, and capital flows. Hence, by assuming a more proactive role within the EU, Rome could leverage its strength and help promote greater economic cooperation, foster entrepreneurship and innovation, attract foreign investments, and ultimately bolster economic growth and prosperity both at the national and European level, aiding Brussels in reinforcing its position in the international arena and better safeguarding its interests globally.
Diplomacy and Soft Power
From the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the adventures of Marco Polo, Italy’s historical significance as a center of power and global influence cannot be overstated. This heritage endows Rome with a unique understanding of the complexities of international relations, fostering a nuanced approach to diplomacy crucial in navigating the intricate web of modern geopolitics. Furthermore, the country has a vast consular network, and its diplomats have long been recognized for their excellent skills and ability to build bridges among peoples and nations, promote strong partnerships around the world, foster dialogue and cooperation, and create consensus on many different regional and global issues.
A clear example of Italian diplomacy at its finest – although many are still reluctant to recognize it – was perhaps represented by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was able to simultaneously build solid relations with the leaders of miscellaneous nations such as the US, Russia, Germany, Türkiye, Israel, Libya, Egypt, Brazil, and Albania, among others, yielding highly productive diplomatic and economic results.
It is common knowledge that Berlusconi’s diplomatic activities have created a series of controversies. He was in fact the only leader who was able to make George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin sit together at the same table, discuss thorny issues, and finally shake hands in public. He personally intervened and rapidly deescalated the Georgian conflict, signed a historical peace treaty with Libya, and promoted the vision of Israel and Türkiye as full members of the EU, among other things. And he did so not by appeasing other leaders, but by building strong personal relations and finding common ground and shared interests.
Additionally, Italy’s contributions to art, literature, music, sports, and cuisine resonate globally. From classic art masters to contemporary filmmakers and globally exported delicacies, Italian culture exerts a magnetic pull that has greatly benefited both the country and Europe as a whole in terms of soft power.
By more actively leveraging its legacy, heritage, and expertise and assuming a more leading role, Rome can capitalize on its potential and bring unique insights, value, and expertise to the EU table that can strongly enrich Brussels’ diplomatic engagements on the global stage. Whether negotiating trade agreements, mediating peace talks, handling EU enlargement dossiers, or promoting European culture worldwide, Italy’s diplomatic acumen can serve as a catalyst for progress and unity within the EU and beyond, enhancing both Rome’s and Brussels’ standings and effectiveness as strong, respected, credible, and influential international actors, and ultimately shaping a more secure and prosperous future for all.
Defense, Security, and Immigration
In the realm of security and defense, Italy’s leadership is indispensable in navigating current and potential future complex security challenges facing the EU. With its substantial military capabilities and contributions to NATO and UN peacekeeping missions, Italy plays a crucial role in ensuring regional stability and security. Moreover, with its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Mediterranean, Italy serves as a gateway between continents and is uniquely positioned to navigate intricate geopolitical dynamics, security issues, and promote stability in the wider region. Its geographical location positions Italy as a key actor in addressing challenges emanating from its surrounding area, including coastguard patrolling and border security, irregular immigration, cross-border criminal activities, terrorism, armed conflicts, and political instability.
By assuming a primary position in shaping and directing Brussels’ defense, security, and immigration policies, Italy can harness its geographical advantages and security expertise to develop comprehensive strategies that will enhance Europe’s safety. It can strengthen its defense capabilities, foster international cooperation and partnerships, promote stability and prosperity within and beyond Europe’s borders, and simultaneously better defend its domestic interests, especially concerning the long-standing issue of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers flooding the peninsula from the Mediterranean Sea. A matter this one, which has often generated heated debates between Italy and the EU, as Rome has often criticized Brussels for not providing enough support, particularly in its role as the main point of entry to Europe and gatekeeper of migrants departing from North Africa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rome’s ascendance to a more leading and assertive role within the EU is not only an option but a necessity and is both a matter of Italian national interest and of strategic importance for the entire European project, especially after UK’s decision to leave the bloc. By drawing upon its historical legacy, cultural heritage, diplomatic expertise, economic and financial prowess, geographical location, and security and defense capabilities, Italy can offer wise and visionary leadership that advances the common values and interests of the European Union while also safeguarding its national ones.
As the challenges of the 21st century grow ever more complex, Italy must stand ready to lead the change towards a more secure, united, prosperous, and stronger Europe. This necessity for Italy to step up and lead the European Union but also better defend its stances was recently highlighted by leaders both in Rome and in Brussels.
This need for a more proactive Italian attitude and better involvement in conducting European affairs, was strongly emphasized by the head of the EU’s parliament, Roberta Metsola, who stated in an interview in May 2022: “Italy is a very important country for the EU and must be a leader in Europe, due to its geopolitical status, the importance of its economy, and its role as a founding member of the EU. There cannot be a real immigration policy without Italy, just as without Italy we will not be able to overcome the economic crisis caused by the pandemic”.[10]
While the necessity for Rome to take not only a more active role within the EU but also a more assertive one, to better safeguard its national interests within the Union, was highlighted by Italy’s current Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who stated just shortly before assuming power in 2022: “We want a different Italian attitude on the international stage, for example in dealing with the European Commission. This does not mean that we want to leave Europe. It simply means explaining that the defense of the national interest is important to us as it is for the French and for the Germans”.[11]
And, as perfectly summarized by Giampiero Massolo, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of the oldest Italian think tank, the Institute for International Political Studies: “A national assertiveness in Europe is not at the expense of the European interest and, on the other hand, a convinced participation in European policies does not conflict with the national interest”. [12]
It is hence time for Italy to avoid being sidelined as in recent times and seize the moment, step up, take on a more leading and assertive role within the EU, exploit the power vacuum created by the Brexit wisely, and fulfill its destiny as a driving force in shaping its own future and the future of the European Union for the benefit of both sides. To achieve this, Italy must first and foremost find internal political unity and institutional stability, something that has unfortunately lacked in recent decades, and be able to make its voice better heard within the EU to the advantage of both parties.
At the same time, Italian rulers must make both the EU institutions and the general population aware of the necessity of a more leading and assertive role for Italy within the European Union and proactively monitor and counter the diffused biased and false narratives. This is especially important regarding its budgetary and financial management, through media and communication awareness campaigns and better political and institutional lobbying activities in Brussels and capital cities across Europe.
[1] Forbes India. 2024. The top 10 largest economies in the world in 2024. April 30.
[2] International Monetary Fund. 2024. World Economic Outlook, GDP Current Prices. April.
[3] Rao, P. 2023. These are the EU countries with the largest economies. World Economic Forum. February 1.
[4] EUR-Lex. 2023. General Revenue. February 23.
[5] Statista. 2022. Amount contributed to the budget of the European Union in 2021, by member state. September.
[6] EUR-Lex. 2024. Budget Online.
[7] Buchholz, K. 2023. Which Countries are EU Contributors and Beneficiaries? Statista. June 23.
[8] Il Sole 24 Ore. 2024. Pil, l’Italia corre: in 10 anni solo gli Usa sono cresciuti più di noi. May 15.
[9] Heimberger, P. 2020. Italy is of systemic importance – European solutions are needed. The Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies. April 10.
[10] Tibuzzi, E. 2022. Metsola, l'Italia deve essere leader in Europa. ANSA. May 3.
[11] Dhankher, A. and Tare, I. 2022. Could Italy become Europe’s newest problem child? Atlantic Council. September 22.
[12] Massolo, G. 2021. Così l’Italia torna leader. ISPI. March 31.
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