L'eurodeputato Danti: "C'è bisogno degli Stati Uniti d'Europa, non di tornare alle piccole patrie"

Summary

The transcript discusses the importance of a unified and stronger Europe in the face of global challenges. It emphasizes the need for a European sovereignty within a broader European context, moving away from the concept of small homelands that were relevant in a less globalized past. The speaker highlights the positive response of Europe to crises such as the pandemic and war, but stresses that more needs to be done. The idea of the United States of Europe is presented as a long-term vision that is gradually becoming a concrete project, with the need for more federalism, abandoning veto rights in the council, and a common foreign and energy policy. The importance of strategic autonomy, particularly in military and energy sectors, is underlined. The speaker also touches on the necessity for reforming treaties to accommodate the enlarged EU and the importance of a common European foreign policy. The Green Deal is mentioned as a significant challenge that has evolved into a strategic issue of energy transition and saving, requiring support for businesses during the transition. Lastly, the digital transition is acknowledged as complex due to the continuous evolution of technology, with a call for regulation that protects consumers, democracy, and European values without stifling innovation.

Takeaways

• 🇪🇺 The speaker emphasizes the need for a stronger and more united Europe to address current global challenges, suggesting that the European Union has shown a positive response to crises but must continue to push the European project forward.
• 💡 The concept of the United States of Europe is presented as a long-term vision that is gradually becoming a concrete project, with the aim of reinforcing European sovereignty within a global context.
• 📉 The speaker highlights that returning to small nation-states is not viable in a globalized world, and that Europe, despite being only 7% of the global population, represents 25% of the global GDP.
• 🤝 The importance of unity within Europe is stressed, as it is the only way to defend the social state and the investments made in social services, which account for 60% of global resources.
• 🔄 The necessity for reform of the treaties is mentioned, as the current European structure, designed for fewer member states, is not efficient with 27 members and likely more in the future.
• 🌱 The Green Deal is identified as a significant challenge that has evolved from an environmental issue to one of strategic autonomy, emphasizing energy savings and transition away from fossil fuels.
• 🚗 Criticism is expressed regarding the choice to focus solely on electric vehicles, suggesting that a technologically neutral approach allowing for a mix of solutions would have been better.
• 💹 The need for a European budget capable of providing the necessary resources to support the transition to a green economy is stated, to ensure that European businesses remain competitive globally.
• 📋 The digital transition is discussed, with the speaker noting the complexity of regulating a field that is continuously evolving, while still protecting consumer rights, democratic rules, and European values.
• 🤔 The importance of not hindering technological innovation while establishing regulations is recognized, as Europe seeks to lead in setting global standards for the digital market.
• ⚖️ The abolition of the veto power in the council is proposed as an essential step towards a more federal Europe, where no single member can block the will of all.

Q & A

What is the general outcome when two sovereignists, an Italian and a Dutch, are in the same room?

The text suggests that on average, the Dutch sovereignist would prevail, implying that they might be more influential or persuasive in such a scenario.

Why is it necessary to have a Europe that defends its national sovereignty within the context of a European sovereignty?

The speaker emphasizes the need for a unified Europe to effectively respond to global challenges and to maintain its influence on the world stage, especially considering the rise of other competitive regions with larger, younger populations.

What is the importance of moving towards a more federal Europe?

A more federal Europe would be stronger and more capable of responding to global challenges. It would also be able to abandon the veto right in the council, leading to more unified and effective political decisions.

What are the consequences of not having a united Europe?

Without unity, Europe risks losing its global influence and the ability to defend its interests. It could also face internal divisions and be less capable of addressing crises such as pandemics and wars.

What does the speaker suggest is a concrete project that has evolved from a dream?

The establishment of the United States of Europe is presented as a dream that has translated into a concrete project, with the gradual strengthening of Europe through various treaties and agreements since the 1950s.

Why is it crucial for Europe to invest in certain important segments?

Investment in areas such as common defense, foreign policy, and energy is essential for Europe to maintain its sovereignty and respond to global challenges, reinforcing the need for a stronger, more federal Europe.

What are the potential outcomes if Europe does not move towards a more unified and federal system?

The text implies that without such a move, Europe might not be able to effectively compete with other global powers, protect its interests, and could face internal conflicts and a lack of a unified voice on the global stage.

What is the significance of the European Parliament's central group in asserting European priorities?

The central group of the European Parliament, referred to as 'Renew Europe,' is important because it can strongly advocate for European sovereignty, foreign policy, and other priorities that are crucial for Europe's future.

What is the importance of strategic autonomy for Europe?

Strategic autonomy, particularly in military and energy sectors, is vital for Europe to defend itself without relying on NATO or the United States, and to not be dependent on energy from the rest of the world.

Why is the reform of treaties necessary for the future of Europe?

The current treaties were designed for a smaller Europe and may not function effectively with 27 member states. Reforms are needed to ensure that European institutions can operate efficiently and to address the challenges of a larger, more complex Europe.

What is the European Green Deal, and how does it relate to the strategic challenge of energy transition?

The European Green Deal is an initiative aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting a sustainable energy transition. It is also tied to strategic autonomy, as energy independence from fossil fuels is key to Europe's ability to assert its sovereignty and respond to global crises.

How does the digital transition, as exemplified by the Digital Services Act, reflect the European Parliament's proactive approach?

The European Parliament's approval of the Digital Services Act demonstrates its commitment to regulating digital spaces while protecting consumer rights, democratic principles, and European values. It also shows the Parliament's willingness to address the complexities of regulating a continuously evolving digital landscape.