Politicians in the fast lane

Series Title
Series Details 04/04/96, Volume 2, Number 14
Publication Date 04/04/1996
Content Type

Date: 04/04/1996

Countries holding the rotating EU presidency normally use summits to show off their most famous cities. This time, however, it appeared the Italians were keener to exploit the occasion to promote their car industry.

The roof of the former car factory where the summit was held is still home to a racetrack once used by automobile manufacturers to test new models.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to get a bit of free publicity for the country's most famous cars, the hosts laid on three Ferraris for summiteers with time on their hands who fancied a spin.

One of those who took them up on the offer was German Foreign Minister Klaus Kinkel - providing what was perhaps the first demonstration of a two-speed Europe in action.

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