Scegliere per contare. Rapporto sulla politica estera italiana, Edizione 2014

In the past few years, internal and external crises have put Italy at a particular disadvantage. European and world economies are less subject to systemic risk and are now on the way to recovery, but Italy has difficulty to reaping the benefits of this because its economic structure and as a consequence, its social fabric have been significantly weakened. Nor is the political situation in Europe very favorable. The EU's internal structures remain uncertain and a number of factors are emerging that could undermine security in Europe, above all tensions with Russia caused by the crisis in Ukraine. For Italy, the challenge is twofold: a) to resume - with greater determination and consistency - the path of internal reform needed to regain international credibility; b) to update its foreign policy strategy in the light of changes in Europe and internationally. Some policies must be extensively revised (e.g. immigration and defense). In exchange for a concrete reform agenda, Brussels may allow Italy greater flexibility in respecting fiscal parameters. But Italy must also insist on substantial changes in the EU's foreign policy strategy and agenda. The first test will be the Italian Presidency of the EU in the second half of 2014. Study elaborated within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) and Compagnia di San Paolo.