Foreign Minister declares Renzi victory will change Italy-EU relations

ROME-The victory by Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s Democratic Party in Sunday’s European Parliament elections could be a turning point in Italy’s relations with Europe, said Monday Foreign Minister Federica Mogherini.

 “Now Italy no longer has to ask Europe for help, but can be a protagonist in constructing new policies for Europe, not just economic policies but also a more consistent European foreign policy concentrated on our strategic priorities and interests,” Ms Mogherini told SkyTG24 television.

 "We are the real hope for the European continent," she continued, “We are the government of hope in Europe as well. We have to try to contribute to the good of our continent together."
  According to the Italian foreign minister, the victory is a sign “to pursue and accelerate on the road of reforms in Italy and in a European key.”

  Just a month before Italy takes over the EU presidency after Greece, “the Italian government is called to the responsibility of rewriting the EU agenda. Italy does not have to go and speak with Europe, Italy is Europe,” concluded Italy’s foreign minister.