23 July 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. attended the briefing on the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union conducted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 21.

In his welcome remarks, Italian Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ambassador Benedetto della Vedova highlighted that with more than 26 million unemployed in Europe, addressing unemployment is a big factor to get the support of the Europeans particularly the youth in the European integration process. He said that accountability and transparency are necessary to sustain growth initiatives.

Undersecretary della Vedova mentioned that the Italian presidency will strongly support the programs of the EU including the finalization of bilateral agreements particularly with Asian countries.

Italian Foreign Affairs Secretary General Ambassador Michele Valensise presented the six month program and priorities of the Italian EU Presidency. He underscored the three main priorities of the Presidency which are the promotion of employment and economic growth, promotion of democratic principles and the enhancement of EU’s global role.

“Italy aims to deliver a better, stronger and smarter Europe. The Italian presidency will make every effort to promote smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. It will focus on investment, education, training and mobility of workforce” said Ambassador Valensise.

Italy recognizes the strategic importance of continuously engaging Asia thus will work for the successful outcome of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit in Milan on October 16 to 17.

The Italian presidency aims to raise the level of awareness on food security through its hosting of the EXPO Milan 2015 which centers on the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life.”

Under the Italian presidency, the world can expect that the EU will play a leading role in crisis situations around its borders. Italy aims to facilitate EU’s role as a major actor in the international arena.

The Italian presidency is happening as the European Union is getting ready to enter a new political cycle.

The Presidency of the Council of the European Union rotates among the member states of the European Union. The Presidency chairs the Council meetings, determines its agenda and sets the work program, among others. The previous EU Presidency was held by Greece. END