European Week: The Best of the EU and Italy in Europe
By EU Video News
This week in Brussels and across Europe: the European Political Community meeting in Yerevan, food security and the challenges facing agriculture, the ECB’s economic hearings, policies on inclusion and the right to housing, and major cultural events dedicated to the Arena di Verona and sustainable sports.
Monday, May 4: The week kicks off in Yerevan with the European Political Community meeting. Alongside press point by Roberta Metsola and Ursula von der Leyen, the spotlight is on António Costa’s opening remarks and speeches by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Moreover, the were the contributions from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Ukrainian President Zelensky. During the daily press briefing at the Berlaymont Building, Commission spokespersons Balazs Ujvari and Thomas Regnier address the hot-button issues related to the conflict in Ukraine and U.S. tariffs on European cars.
Tuesday, May 5, is packed with parliamentary debates. MEP Cristina Guarda (AVS) speaks on the sidelines of the event “Gold, Snow, and Concrete,” emphasizing the need for Olympics that bring real value to communities. On the reform front, Minister Elisabetta Casellati hold a press point following her meeting with Vice President Raffaele Fitto and Commissioner Glenn Micallef.
Economic and social issues take center stage in the debate surrounding the digital euro event, featuring Pasquale Tridico (M5S), Marco Falcone (FI), and Guido Crosetto (FdI). Irene Tinagli (PD) led an in-depth discussion on housing, while MEPs Herbert Dorfmann (Südtiroler Volkspartei) and Camilla Laureti (PD) will give interviews on the challenges facing their respective sectors, Mercosur and agriculture.
During the evening, the Parliament hosted the screening of a documentary film on Giulio Regeni, introduced by Alessandro Zan and Annalisa Corrado of the Democratic Party. At the same time, the “Sì Può Fare Band” event, promoted by Fratelli d’Italia MEPs Mariateresa Vivaldini and Chiara Gemma, celebrating inclusion through music. Finally, MEP Daniele Polato hosted an event dedicated to the Arena di Verona, attended by European Parliament Vice President Antonella Sberna (FdI), Paolo Borchia (Lega), Flavio Tosi (FI), and Brazilian Ambassador Da Costa e Silva.
On Tuesday, May 6, Isabella Tovaglieri (Lega) spoke at the event “Where Sport Meets the Lake,” dedicated to the theme of sport. The spotlight on regional initiatives continues with a press point by the Lega delegation and Lombardy mayors, led by Paolo Borchia and Massimiliano Romeo. In the afternoon, the focus shifts to Italy’s regions with remarks by Sardinia Regional President Alessandra Todde (M5S) and Lazio Regional Vice President Roberta Angelilli (FdI). Following this, Committee of the Regions President Kata Tüttő, Commissioner Micallef, and Minister Andrea Abodi. Roberto Pella and Luca Menesini also presented on behalf of ANCI and local authorities.
Thursday, May 7, is dedicated to the results of the plenary session of the Committee of the Regions. The mayor of Bologna, Matteo Lepore, and the vice president of Emilia-Romagna, Alessio Mammi focused on local housing and agricultural policies.
The value of digital technology and networks was highlighted by Antonello Aurigemma of the Lazio Regional Council, while the topic of combating bullying concludes the proceedings with the event “From Bully to Hero,” featuring Lombardy Regional Councilor Giovanni Malanchini and Commander of the Bergamo Provincial Police Matteo Copia.
On Friday, May 8, at the European Commission, spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen spoke on the topic “Tourism: New Guidelines on the Impact of Fossil Fuels in the Crisis”.