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.”

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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