President Sergio Mattarella urged for “common sense to prevail” on Monday when asked by a young man about the tariffs that US President Donald Trump’s administration planned to impose on EU goods.
The head of state made the remarks during a visit to the Agricoltura è Village event in Rome. The event was set up to mark the 68th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, the founding agreement of the European Economic Community, and later the European Union.
“Open markets satisfy two vital interests: for peace and for our vital export interests,” Mattarella said.
“Tariffs create market barriers, distort the market, and penalise quality products.
“This is unacceptable to us, but it should be unacceptable to all the world’s countries.
“Cooperation on fair rules is indispensable. The answer is not tariffs but for the rules to be enforced.
“We have to be calm without feeding excessive concerns because the EU has the strength to calmly, authoritatively intervene to counter an unjustified decision such as the imposition of tariffs.
“Europe is a strong entity, so we must intervene calmly, but also with determination.”
Mattarella reflects on European integration
Mattarella also reflected on history, praising the politicians who initiated European integration.
“One must reflect on the situation in which the start of European integration was taking place,” he said.
“In 1945, Italy was emerging from a devastating war. There had been brutal dictatorships and the abyss of the Holocaust.
“In that climate of tragedy, of despair, some far-sighted, courageous statesmen turned an idea on its head, it was a revolution of thought, putting the future of Europe together.”
However, the president also acknowledged the need for EU reform.
“The fact that the EU is a model imitated around the world shows how extraordinarily successful it has been,” he said.
“Of course, it has shortcomings to resolve, such as the need for faster decision-making processes.
“We need quick and timely answers. Europe needs to renew itself.”
