Italy's European Policy

• Published in: UNISCI discussion papers Vol. 25; no. 25; pp. 41 - 64
• Main Author: Varsori, Antonio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2011
• Subjects: Central Eastern Europe; Centre Right; Economic recovery; Economic reform; Europe; European Currency Unit; European integration; European Union; Euroscepticism; Federalism; Financial systems; Foreign policy foundations; Gasperi, Alcide de; International status; Italy; Loyalty; Modernization; Monnet, Jean; Political commitments; Political crises; Post-war history; Recent economic history; Recent political history; Schuman, Robert; Social reform; Stabilization policy; Treaties; Western bloc
• ISSN: 1696-2206

After World War 2 Italy's international position was weak, in stark contrast to their aspirations. For a few years, Italy's European choice was influenced by the idea that this would reinforce the international status of Italy and favor the revision of a peace treaty. This choice is also framed in a broader alignment with the West, which would help the moderate forces Italian leaders were imposed as winning the game Paisy forces left. The real turning point in the pro-European commitment of Italy came with the approach advocated by Monet and Schuman Plan was launched in 1950. While Italy was skeptical of the CED, in any case could not contradict their commitments to Europe, so that in 1951 Prime Minister de Gasperi launched an ambitious European Political Community. This period can be seen as the climax of the commitment of both De Gasperi of Italy as federalism itself. For his part in the EEC, Italy underwent a process of economic and social modernization which contributed to a radical transformation of the country. Later, despite these achievements, the position of Italy in the integration process was greatly hampered by social and political crisis since the mid-70 was seen as one of the weakest members of the Western European system. In the 80's, Italy enjoyed a process of apparent economic recovery, political stability and social modernization. The period from 1992 to 1996 was characterized by a series of weak governments whose main aim was the recovery of economic and financial system in order to achieve compliance with the demanding economic clauses of the Treaty of Maastricht. In this respect, the loyalty of Italy to the European integration was a vital factor since the country was linked very closely to the EU and its achievements. The majority of Italian public opinion is mobilized behind the motto 'Italy should join Europe, but certain forms of euro-skepticism began to emerge within the center-right parties. Europe's commitment to Italy remains a vital aspect of its foreign policy and its international and remains linked to the success of European. Adapted from the source document.