Lombardy Sounds Alarm: EU’s Centralized Vision Risks Leaving Territories Behind – Breaking News
Milan, Italy – A sharp critique of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address is reverberating across Italy, with Lombardy Region officials expressing deep concern over what they perceive as a growing disconnect between EU policy and the needs of its constituent territories. Raffaele Cattaneo, Undersecretary for International and European Relations for Lombardy, voiced his disappointment following a round table discussion hosted by the European Commission’s Milan representation, signaling a potential rift within the EU’s federal structure. This is a developing story, and Archyde is tracking it closely for our readers.
Von der Leyen’s Speech: A Missed Opportunity for Territorial Enhancement?
The core of Cattaneo’s criticism centers on the absence of specific commitments to regional development within Von der Leyen’s speech. Notably, the future of cohesion policies and the upcoming multi-year financial framework (MFF) were conspicuously absent from her address. “It surprised me that the president did not refer to the relationship with the territories,” Cattaneo stated, lamenting a “centralist vision” that fails to recognize the “specificities” of regions like Lombardy. This isn’t simply a regional issue; it reflects a broader debate within the EU about the balance of power between Brussels and member states, a debate that directly impacts economic growth and citizen engagement.
A United Front, But at What Cost? Concerns Over Rhetoric and Security Focus
While acknowledging Von der Leyen’s attempt to maintain unity within the European Parliament and among member states, Cattaneo questioned the speech’s internal consistency. He pointed to a jarring shift in tone, particularly in the sections dedicated to international security and defense. “I can’t hide the concern for one escalation retorica,” Cattaneo remarked, highlighting phrases like “Europe is in battle” as a departure from the Union’s foundational principles of peace and diplomacy. This shift in rhetoric, while intended to project strength, risks fueling further instability, a point that deserves careful consideration as geopolitical tensions continue to rise. The EU’s historical strength has always been its ability to lead through soft power; abandoning that approach could have long-term consequences.
Strengthening Transatlantic Ties and Rediscovering European Leadership
Cattaneo emphasized the necessity of bolstering collaboration with NATO and the United States, even amidst trade disputes. However, he cautioned against viewing military preparedness as the sole solution to Europe’s challenges. “The real question to ask is: what is the battle that Europe must fight and that it can realistically win?” he posed. His answer: a return to the EU’s core values and a renewed commitment to moral and political leadership. This echoes a growing sentiment among some European leaders that the EU has become too reactive, too focused on crisis management, and too willing to cede influence on the global stage. For Europe to truly thrive, it needs to rediscover its voice and its vision.
Competitiveness Concerns: The Green Deal and Strategic Industries Under Scrutiny
The latter part of Von der Leyen’s speech addressed competitiveness, a topic Cattaneo deemed “shareable” in principle. However, he raised serious concerns about contradictions within the Green Deal and its potential impact on key sectors like automotive and energy. He argued that the resources allocated to these ambitious programs are insufficient, citing the slow implementation of the “Draghi relationship” – with only 10% of funds currently deployed. This highlights a critical challenge facing the EU: translating grand ambitions into tangible results. The success of the Green Deal, and the EU’s overall economic future, hinges on its ability to deliver on its promises.
The debate sparked by Von der Leyen’s speech underscores the ongoing tension between centralized EU governance and the desire for greater regional autonomy. As the EU navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and strives to maintain its economic competitiveness, finding a balance that empowers both Brussels and its member territories will be crucial. Archyde will continue to provide in-depth coverage of this evolving story, offering insights and analysis to help our readers understand the implications for Europe and the world. Stay tuned for further updates and expert commentary on Archyde.com.
