The Regional Affairs Committee of the European Parliament has decided to postpone to a date to be determined the hearing of Raffaele Fitto, candidate for the vice-presidency of the European Commission. The news, reported by parliamentary sources to ANSA, emerged in a context of political and strategic uncertainties that also involve the evaluation of the candidate for EU High Representative, Kaja Kallas. Both postponements reflect a shared strategy within the Ursula majority, aimed at freezing the vote for the six executive vice-presidents in pectore. Initial expectations had indicated a vote could take place as early as the following day, but sources suggest the delay could be longer, pending mediation from Ursula von der Leyen.
During his hearing, Fitto traced a path that took him from the local to the European level. He stressed the importance of cohesion as the core of European integration. He said he was not there to represent a political party or a Member State, but to engage in the common good of the Union.
Fitto highlighted how cohesion policy is essential to reduce disparities between regions and territories and plays a key role in Europe’s demographic development. Furthermore, he proposed a vision for a simplified and flexible cohesion policy, capable of responding to the current climate and demographic challenges. He said that the aim is to establish multilevel governance and strengthen the partnership with local autonomies.
Raffaele Fitto also addressed the topic of the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), declaring his intention to work with the Commissioner for the Economy to ensure that Member States implement the necessary reforms by 2026.
Fitto expressed his desire to work together with the new Commissioner for Simplification, stressing that this represents a great opportunity to improve the effectiveness of Cohesion Policy. Concluding his hearing, Fitto recalled the importance of acting responsibly and in the name of the collective good. He evoked the figure of Alcide De Gasperi, one of the founding fathers of Europe, underlining the importance of historical memory in building the future of the European Union. This reference to founding values could represent a guide in future political challenges.
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