Premier Paolo Gentiloni said
Friday that he was optimistic that the European Union was
winning the battle of ideas against those who want it to
collapse.
"I think that last year was one of the most difficult for the
EU - the perception of crisis was stronger," Gentiloni told the
The State of the Union conference in Florence.
"This crisis is certainly not over, but it is just as certain
that the we must reasonably recognise that there have been signs
of reaction.
"I don't underestimate the persistence of positions in public
opinion that continue to see the EU as the root of all evil and
for some who think exiting the EU is the way to go.
"But I also know that these have turned out to be minority
positions in recent months. And I am confident that this will be
the case over the next few days in France".
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