NO MORE TIME TO LOSE Giorgia Meloni s Explosive Ultimatum at EU Retreat World News

Good morning an important day ahead— you know we're called upon to have an open discussion on the issues of European competitiveness With the March European Council approaching we would like it to deliver very concrete responses to our productive systems Let's begin today's discussion on the reports you're familiar with regarding Mario Draghi and Enrico Letta We are working to reach the March European Council as prepared as possible which is why Italy together with Germany and Belgium He has convened a forum of like-minded countries—nations that agree on the urgency of responding to the competitiveness of European industries A highly participatory meeting demonstrating broad sensitivity to the issue and Italy's potential role in a particularly crucial and delicate phase The aim of this meeting is to ensure the Council provides the European Commission with clear tasks and that the Commission can appeal to clear guidance it has received from the Council to curb bureaucracy in Europe which has long surpassed its intended role Have you addressed the issue of euro bonds Alliances are strategic and fluid depending on the issue but if Europe is to respond unitedly to external challenges such flexible alliances don't convey the necessary sense of cohesion But what alliances is she talking about Because in the multiannual budget debate Italy is defending the role of cohesion—because this is also an important point we must remember and indeed one worth emphasizing We must not make the mistake of viewing competitiveness as an alternative to cohesion because without cohesion you leave entire regions behind lack adequate infrastructure and ultimately undermine competitiveness anyway That said on this matter we're likely to agree more with countries in the south than those in the north so we must work within these alliances That's why it's always a mistake to speak only with some to try to exclude anyone or to dismiss someone as an invalid interlocutor—especially in an organization like the European Union I don't think such a figure exists but certainly both Draghi and Letta are making a very important contribution—starting from their relationships and I believe both have been invaluable Personally I'm in favor but you know how divisive this debate has become across Europe