BRUSSELS – Raffaele Fitto, the European Commission Executive Vice President-designate for reform and cohesion, told his confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday that he would not represent Italy or his party but rather the interests of Europe as a whole. Fitto, a senior figure in Italy’s right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, has been nominated to oversee the EU’s post-COVID Recovery Plan and the Next Generation EU programme, should he be confirmed by MEPs.
Fitto, a former Member of the European Parliament and current Italian Minister for European Affairs, emphasized that his role was dedicated to strengthening Europe.
“It is an honour that my government recommended me,”
Fitto stated, adding,
“I am not here to represent a political party or a member state, but for my commitment to Europe.”
He acknowledged his past political journey, from local to national politics, and his consistent efforts to support a stronger EU. Fitto also responded to questions about the Brothers of Italy’s past opposition to the Next Generation EU programme, explaining that the party’s abstention was based on concerns about its implementation, not opposition to the concept.
“If I were to vote tomorrow morning, it would be a yes vote,”
Fitto assured.
In his new role, Fitto would be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plans (NRRP) and ensuring the success of Europe’s post-pandemic recovery.
