(ANSA) - Brussels, January 22 - Ex-premier and Forza Italia
leader Silvio Berlusconi described the European Union as
"essential" on Monday as he presented his electoral programme to
the EPP in Brussels. "Europe is essential and let's hope that it
returns to being that of the founding fathers," Berlusconi said.
"It is necessary for it to reinforce itself and gives itself
common foreign and defence policies. This would save billions of
euros and make it become a world power to be able to count among
the great powers of the future".
Europe essential - Berlusconi
Common defence and foreign policies needed - FI leader