... the sanctions against Russia is similarly understandable. However, if Russia’s goal is still to patch up relations with the European Union, particularly with Germany and France, then it is worth taking into account just how important European solidarity is for Paris and Berlin and stop counting on a split forming within the Union. It is worth remembering, too, that Italy has something to offer in return for its vote against the Russian sanctions, while Paris and Berlin, in an effort to save European solidarity, could attempt to make Rome an offer it cannot refuse....
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The latest European Council meeting has showed (once again) that relations with the Russian Federation are still a dividing element within the European Union (EU). Different threat assessments and interests among Member States... ... the efforts to build up a common approach towards Moscow which has emerged with the sanctions over Ukraine. The decision not to impose new “restrictive measures”... ... of force in Syria asking a peaceful solution under UN auspices. On the other hand, Italy is aware that the only way to reach a sustainable peace in the Middle East (as...
... Russia in the coming years. The first is, of course, the Italian membership in the European Union and NATO, institutions that heavily affect this bilateral relationship... ... actions will be always in line with the joint decisions taken in Brussels, to which Italy is inevitably tied. The opposition to possible, new anti-Russian policies will not go beyond the verbal pressure towards the European institutions, perhaps stimulated by internal push. The economic damages caused by sanctions to the Italian agro-industrial economy could in fact lead some industrial...