Reforms to the European Union in the
wake of a weekend vote that saw the rise of Euroskeptic parties
in many countries was on the agenda for a summit of EU leaders
Tuesday.
Premier Matteo Renzi was one of the few national leaders in
the 28-member EU whose voters did not show strong support for
Euroskeptics and nationalist parties, but he said he also
supported a renewal of the EU as he headed to the scheduled
summit in Brussels.
Italy may be in a position to push hard for reforms as it
assumes the six-month rotating presidency of the EU in July.
During a televised interview Monday night, Renzi said that
the EU must reconsider its policy of strict budget controls and
consider making a major investment in public works.
On the program Porta a Porta, Renzi admitted he was
surprised at how well his Democratic Party did in the European
Parliament vote on Sunday.
Renzi's PD took 40.8% of votes, almost double second-place
anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) at 21.2%.
But such a level of voter confidence carries great
responsibilities, added Renzi.
"If I have to be honest, I did not expect a result with
such a great proportion," of votes, he said.
"In some respects, it is almost touching because you have a
strong sense of responsibility, you must not miss a shot," Renzi
added.
"We have received the message: now is the time to step up
on everything and not to celebrate," he said.
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