President Barroso on the situation in Italy

European Commission

Statement

Brussels, 14 February 2014

President Barroso on the situation in Italy

During a joint press point with the President of Romania, European Commission President Barroso answered a question of a journalist on the resignation of Prime Minister Letta i expected for the same day as follows:

"Of course we have taken note of the announcement of the President of the Council of Ministers of Italy, Enrico Letta, to hand in his resignation.

We have no comment to make on what is an internal democratic process. What I can tell you and, in fact, today I called Prime Minister Letta to say that to him personally, is that I have great appreciation for the great cooperation that we have developed during this time, with the Prime Minister of Italy, who has always been a very committed European and someone with whom it is indeed a pleasure to work with.

I will not now comment on the prospects of the new government, but since you have mentioned Mr Renzi, let me tell you that I've met him several times already, I know him, and he seems to me a very committed European, with a deep interest in advancing the process of European integration, and with the general position of Italy being always very loyal to the European project.

So the Commission remains confident in Italy's willingness and capacity to pursue its reform and consolidation efforts.

We are looking forward to working with Italy in the context of the Italian Presidency of the Council in the second half of this year."

Watch the video of the press point