Renzi says EU 'at a crossroads', needs to rebuild trust

(ANSA) - Rome, May 26 - The European Union "is at a crossroads" and needs to work at restoring economic growth while rebuilding confidence between its institutions and Europe's citizens, says Premier Matteo Renzi.
    In a letter, Renzi set out Italy's position on the debate about the future of the EU and possible reforms of the economic and monetary union.
    The EU must "face with determination the new challenges" of the union, Renzi wrote in his letter, which was sent to the European Commission, the European Central Bank, the Eurogroup of finance ministers and the EU Parliament. According to Renzi, the EU must "rebalance" its systems of economic governance to become more cooperative, allowing member States to feel better supported.
    That includes "measures to deal with the social costs of the economic crisis and improve public confidence in the EU," Renzi said. He also urged labour market support with help to offset cyclical unemployment while encouraging a greater common market oriented to growth and innovation in support structural reforms.
    "(The) road towards greater integration requires the strengthening of the common institutional architecture and its democratic legitimacy," concluded Renzi.