Ventotene Manifesto Recognized as Historical Milestone by Metsola

Brussels: The 1941 Manifesto of Ventotene is a piece of history that launched for the first time the idea of a federal Europe, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said on Thursday on the sidelines of a press conference in Brussels. The Manifesto, which was circulated within the Italian Resistance and soon became the programme of the European Federalist Movement, contained “the first traces of the idea of a federal Europe”, said Metsola. “Europe grew on the shoulders of many giants, including Italians.”

According to Ansa News Agency, Premier Giorgia Meloni’s statement on Wednesday that the Manifesto did not represent the Europe she envisions has sparked a political controversy in Italy. Metsola added, “Yesterday, I discussed with Meloni only about today’s issues, I certainly don’t want to question her European commitment, what I can say is that, if we look at the way Europe developed, Italy has always been at the centre.”

The Manifesto of Ventotene, authored during the tumultuous period of World War II, has been a cornerstone for those advocating for a united Europe. Despite the differing views, Metsola emphasized the historical importance of the document and Italy’s pivotal role in shaping European integration.