Another Attempt at Renaissance: The Italian Presidency of the EU

Although the role of the rotating presidency of the Council has been considerably trimmed under the Lisbon Treaty, Italy has a chance to leave a distinct mark on the functioning of the EU at the outset of the new institutional term. The key message pursued by Italy is the need for EU renewal and economic recovery. However, its impact with the presidency depends on its ability to balance the country’s assets against economic pitfalls and its capacity to live up to the ethos of the role.