Future of Europe: MEPs debate Italian Council presidency priorities

The Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi introduced his country's political programme and priorities 'Europe, a fresh start' for its EU Presidency in a debate in the European Parliament on the 2 July 2014.

'If Europe was to take a selfie today, it would be a tired, resigned image,' said Mr Renzi. He said European leaders should act with conviction and determination to keep Europe in the lead on global issues. The debate touched upon a broad range of issues, from the Italian contribution to Europe through the ages to the place of Europe in a fast-changing world.

According to EurActiv on the 4 July 2014, consumer and business organisations called on the Italian Presidency of the EU and new European Parliament to make legislation capping payment card fees its “absolute priority.”

• Primary Source

BBC News, 02.07.14: Italy PM Matteo Renzi says EU needs to keep UK in http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-28124328

EUObserver, 02.07.14: EU 'selfie' would be 'tired and bored', Italian PM says http://euobserver.com/political/124852

ESO: Background information: Italy: EU Presidency, July - December 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/italy-eu-presidency-july-december-2014/

EurActiv, 03.07.14: Renzi inspires in Strasbourg, but draws heat from critics http://www.euractiv.com/sections/eu-priorities-2020/renzi-inspires-strasbourg-draws-heat-critics-303260

Euronews, 02.07.14: Renzi calls for EU to hit the growth button http://www.euronews.com/2014/07/02/renzi-calls-for-eu-to-hit-the-growth-button/

Italy: EU Presidency: Programme: Europe, A fresh start http://italia2014.eu/en/news/post/the-programme-of-the-italian-presidency-of-the-council-of-the-european-union/

European Commissio: RAPID: SPEECH/14/519: Introductory Remarks on the Italian Presidency http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-519_en.pdf

Deutsche Welle [Opinion], 03.07.14: Opinion: Renzi's 'anti-Merkel' recipe for Europe http://dw.de/p/1CUnY

European Commission: RAPID: SPEECH/14/530: Remarks by President Barroso following the meeting of the European Commission with the Italian Presidency of the European Union http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_SPEECH-14-530_en.pdf

ESO: Background information: Can Italy's 'political serial killer' change EU course on austerity? http://www.europeansources.info/record/can-italys-political-serial-killer-change-eu-course-on-austerity/

EurActiv, 04.07.14: Italian presidency must prioritise card fees legislation, say businesses and consumers http://www.euractiv.com/sections/euro-finance/italian-presidency-must-prioritise-card-fees-legislation-say-businesses-and

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