News from Berlin - The last few days have been particularly relevant for European issues. Especially for the Foreign Minister of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier who, on yesterday May 8^th, after opening the Writers Conference and participating in the European Forum in Berlin, flew to Rome for a short visit. For the second year the German-Italian Economic Forum was held, which aims at strengthening the relationships between both countries, which are already close. Indeed, Germany invests more than 30 million euros in Italy, especially in the North, and more than 1,800 Italian companies operate in Germany.

The German Minister was welcomed in Rome by the Italian Foreign Minister, Federica Mogherini, and by Emmanuele Gatti, President of the Chamber of Commerce in Frankfurt am Main. Steinmeier talked about the importance of a strong economy in Italy for the EU, and praised the Italian Prime Minister, Matteo Renzi, for his resolution with recent difficult choices. Another topic was the Euro, conceived not only as a common currency, but as a ‘means of closeness’. "Europe is not the problem, but Europe has to help in solving the problem", said Steinmeier in his speech. Lastly, the two ministers talked about the Ukrainian crisis, with references to the Geneva meeting, and about the importance of a diplomatic solution, for which there still seems to be hope.

News from Berlin - Berlin Global