Brussels – “I am honored to be appointed as the new Italian Permanent Representative to the EU. I wish to thank Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Gentiloni for the confidence and honor they are bestowing me with. Working under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, after operating for almost three years with so many skilled and talented Italian diplomats in more than thirty international missions, is for me a great professional challenge that I take up with determination but also with humility, knowing that I have much to learn.” Carlo Calenda sends a message to comment his appointment as Italian Permanent Representative to the European Union, in which he adds: “This is why I will rely heavily on the rich knowledge and experience heritage of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. I have contacted Ambassador Stefano Sannino, with whom I worked extensively on issues of trade, and I was able to appreciate his extraordinary humanity and professional qualities. My fundamental operating guideline in Europe is to bring Italy’s contribution to the European construction process, towards a strong, cohesive and efficient union, able to guarantee the interests of citizens and businesses alike, in an international scenario where the individual Member States no longer have the sufficient size to ensure growth, stability and security. Within this perspective, I will have to continue to ensure that the comparison between the individual member countries’ interests do not neglect our legitimate national priorities. For this to happen, we need more teamwork among national administrations to build a single stance before bringing it on European negotiating tables. I plan to formally assume the post immediately after the European Council in March.” (9Colonne)
