European Week: The Best of the EU and Italy in Europe
By EU Video News
The week kicks off on Monday, June 8, with a focus on geopolitical stability and international strategic support. During the midday briefing, the daily press releas of the European commission, European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier announced the disbursement of 2.8 billion euros to Ukraine, calling it a crucial step to support the country’s efforts and stability. This is the seventh installment under the Ukraine Facility, the EU’s key instrument for recovery and reforms toward accession. With this payment, Brussels’ total support under the Ukraine Plan rises to €29.5 billion (nearly 77% of the first pillar allocated to the state budget), released following Kyiv’s progress in crucial sectors such as justice, energy, agriculture, and the green transition. On the same day, spokespersons also commented on the situation in Georgia.
On Tuesday, June 9, the agenda focused on technological innovation, industrial reforms, and regional development. The morning began with the cultural event “’Na Chitarra e ‘Na Voce: The Heart of Naples in Europe,” organized by MEP Alberico Gambino (FdI). At the same time, the spotlight turned to Artificial Intelligence with the forum “Health and Well-being in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” promoted by European Parliament Vice President Antonella Sberna (FdI). Sberna, responsible for the implementation of Article 17 TFEU, led a dialogue with religious communities and philosophical organizations, calling for “legislation that protects the common good and young people,” Davide Bettera (European Buddhist Union). Regarding the AI Act, Gianluca Misuraca also spoke to take stock of training and technological diplomacy during the morning’s roundtable, while Brando Benifei (PD) presented the case of Genoa’s multilingual virtual assistant Zenia at the “Civic AI in the EU” workshop as an example of digital innovation.
Aurelio Regina and Antonio Gozzi of Confindustria spoke on the ETS issue, while MEP Stefano Cavedagna (FdI) addressed the suspension of the ETS on the sidelines of the panel on the CBAM mechanism. For the primary sector, Alessandra De Santis (CIA Brussels) analyzed the food crisis. The day also featured EU spokespersons answering questions on Apple and the management of migration flows. Outside the Commission building, Franco Dal Mas (InCe) provided an update on the Balkans and Ukraine, while in the evening, MEP Denis Nesci (FdI) hosted a medical focus on youth health and the prevention of Brugada syndrome, alongside experts Sandro Gelsomino and Carmelo Massimiliano Rao.
The debate continues on Wednesday, June 10, addressing the themes of welfare, budgets, and social cohesion. The morning began with a press conference by the rapporteurs of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, featuring MEP Alessandro Ciriani (FdI) as the sole Italian speaker. In the afternoon, the debate shifted to the upcoming 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework during the important meeting organized by Legacoop in Brussels. Legacoop President Simone Gamberini reiterated the key principle that “there is no competitiveness without social cohesion.”
A large delegation from the PD participated in the discussion on the EU budget, including Stefano Bonaccini, Pierfrancesco Maran, Brando Benifei, Nicola Zingaretti, Irene Tinagli, Matteo Ricci, Giorgio Gori, Camilla Laureti, and Giuseppe Lupo. The topics of agri-food and sustainability were explored in depth by Paolo De Castro (President of Nomisma) and MEP Cristina Guarda (Greens), with technical input from international experts such as Elli Tsiforou (COPA-COGECA), Ruth Paserman (DG Employment), Marina Monaco (ETUC), and Thomas Meyer (Cooperatives Europe).
On Thursday, June 11, the European Commission, through spokesperson Markus Lammert, took a stance on the situation in the West Bank and Palestine. Lammert then announced the imminent and highly anticipated entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, confirming that “Member States are ready” and that a phase of close monitoring of the reform’s implementation—the result of two years of negotiations—will begin. To close out the day, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde announced a shift in monetary policy from Frankfurt following the Governing Council meeting.
©️ European Union, 2026