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Aspen Forum Italy/France

    • Meeting in digital format
    • 26 November 2020

          What were already solid Italian-French relations have become even stronger as the two nations have confronted the challenges posed by the pandemic, the first and most restrictive of these having had to do with the second wave. The continuous coordination France and Italy have set in motion is emblematic of the unified European reaction that followed an initial lack of cooperation during the first phase of the emergency. Today’s joint European efforts on a vaccine is proof that the Union can play a decisive role in this crisis, with benefits across its entire membership.

          Moreover, this health and economic crisis has put Europe at the center of the public debate, revealing the urgent need to strengthen European sovereignty. The Next Generation EU is a response to the social and economic problems triggered by the pandemic, and is symbolic of an ambitious continental agenda that began to take shape even before the virus with approval of the Green New Deal.

          Italy and France have a common stance on confronting the obstacles raised by other countries with activation of the Recovery Fund, as well as on exploring the need for greater economic cooperation among Union Members. Building European alliances in various industrial spheres to create scale economies and improve competitiveness with other major economies using EU support for businesses and the single market, is surely a priority for both Rome and Paris. The proactive role of these two major industrial systems such as those of Italy and France, united by close cooperation and solid ties, is no small advantage. Another significant response along the Italian-French axis comes from the financial system, which is proving its capacity for reaction and for sustaining the real economy, not least through extraordinary undertakings.

          In fact, the crisis generated by the pandemic must offer not only the possibility of joint reactions, but also the chance to confront structural issues. Even before the virus, the European economy demanded stimulation to its competitiveness, a fundamental factor in maintaining strategic autonomy at the global level. Here, both countries have a part to play in two key regards for the economic and geopolitical future of Europe: accelerate the climate transition and draft new rules for transatlantic cooperation. The instalment of a new American administration – one more in sync with Europe on such concerns – cannot but be of assistance.