Italy Nominates Raffaele Fitto for European Commission: Strategic Move Amidst EU Reforms

Italy will propose European Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto for the next European Commission, focusing on bolstering EU COVID recovery efforts. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto confirmed this, highlighting Fitto's extensive political background and Brussels experience. Fitto’s nomination suggests Italy's ambition for a significant role in the EU's executive arm.

Italy's government is set to propose European Affairs Minister Raffaele Fitto for a key role in the next European Commission, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced on Friday. Fitto, 55, currently oversees Italy's EU COVID recovery fund efforts and reform targets compliance.

Fitto brings significant Brussels experience as a former EU lawmaker and political legacy from his family, with both him and his father having served as presidents of Puglia. 'I am happy that Italy will offer to Europe a very high-profile person like Raffaele Fitto,' Crosetto stated in Brussels, with a formal cabinet decision anticipated later in the day.

The European Commission, tasked with legislative proposals and ensuring bloc rules are followed, will see its president Ursula von der Leyen forming a team from names proposed by national governments. Italy seeks a prominent position amid the appointment process, aiming for a significant portfolio despite Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's party's past opposition to von der Leyen's presidency.

(With inputs from agencies.)