If the national measures financed by these programmes are successful, they could be the first steps towards a fully integrated economic union. Aside from having an unprecedented opportunity to tackle long-lasting problems, the countries that benefit most from these resources – first and foremost Italy – must also demonstrate the real usefulness of such greater integration, providing tangible results.
At the same time, however, we need to be aware that to complete the European project we must first overcome major institutional and political hurdles. An essential requirement for this lies in a renewed and firm commitment by all Member States to seeking common solutions to common problems.