14 February 2020

The Italian Government presented a Non-Paper, approved by the Interministerial Committee for European Affairs (CIAE) on 14 February 2020, which states the discussion on the future of Europe should strongly involve both civil society and national parliaments. The participation of young people from the EU as well as from Western Balkans and Mediterranean countries should be ensured.

The Non-Paper proposes the debate on the future of Europe should encompass two pillars:

• A discussion on innovations that could help improve EU functioning, introduce greater transparency and promote citizens' participation in European decision-making;
• A discussion on the prospects for EU's main political priorities.

As to the first pillar, on innovations, the Italian Non-Paper notably suggests:

1. Enhancing European Parliament’s involvement in Eurozone governance and Eurogroup work transparency;
2. Strengthening the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) mechanism introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, and in this context provide for a pan-European referendum on European integration;
3. Strengthening the role of the European Parliament by conferring it the right of initiative;
4. Harmonising the electoral regulations for European Parliament elections, paving the way for a European election campaign, through a small yet symbolic European constituency promoting competition between European political families on a transnational basis;
5. Launching the debate on a directly elected European Commission President;
6. Making full use of the provisions laid down in the Treaties to simplify EU decision-making, in particular by shifting to qualified majority voting in the Council on issues such as security and social protection, anti-discrimination measures, taxation and Common Foreign and Security Policy (in specific areas);
7. Developing stronger EU external action in support of its internal policies, notably by making full use of the 'double-hatting' of the High Representative, who is a member of the European Commission and at the same time may act upon Council mandate;
8. Strengthening the role of the General Affairs Council, notably as a preparatory body for European Council meetings;

Making full use of the EU Council Trio Presidency, by streamlining work flows along thematic lines and avoiding fragmentation, primarily within complex and protracted legislative negotiations.

As to the second pillar (i.e. perspectives of EU’ main political priorities), Italy's Non-Paper notably suggests:

1. Green Deal and transition to a greener economy, which requires adequate mechanisms to mobilise adequate funds both at EU and national level;
2. Economic policy choices, primarily with the definition of a consistent EU position that goes beyond mere coordination of national fiscal policies based on rigid and absolute criteria, and involves the European Parliament and national parliaments;
3. Completion of the Economic and Monetary Union, with a common guarantee scheme for bank deposits and a macroeconomic stabilisation mechanism, and possible harmonisation of tax legislation. Appointing a European Finance Minister should be considered;
4. Definition of an effective European migration policy based on solidarity, not limited to asylum provisions, including a financial solidarity mechanism and a legal migration policy necessary for Europe’s economic development, while promoting a debate on integration policy, linked to EU priorities for combating discrimination and racism.

(Source: Italy’s Chamber of Deputies)