Ruggiero turns on Italian eurosceptics

The Italian Foreign Minister, Renato Ruggiero, warned on 3 January 2002 that Italy's traditional commitment to a closer European Union was now 'in danger' following comments by ministers criticising the launch of the euro. The negative comments from Antonio Martino, Giulio Tremonti and Umberto Bossi are the latest sign of a rift over Europe within the government. The disagreement between europhiles and eurosceptics within the cabinet suggests Italy is likely to be a highly unpredictable player on the European Union scene in the early part of 2002.