Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wants to finance some of the projects, including the Sicilian bridge, with private capital, but it is unlikely he'll be able to raise enough money. That will leave a gaping whole in Italy's budget at a time when it is supposed to be tightening its belt to meet European Union criteria for the new monetary union.
Ironically, triggering just such a financial crisis is probably Berlusconi's goal. In 2004, the EU will admit 10 new members, all poorer than Italy. That means Italy is set to lose nearly all of the EU development aid for its
Ironically, triggering just such a financial crisis is probably Berlusconi's goal. In 2004, the EU will admit 10 new members, all poorer than Italy. That means Italy is set to lose nearly all of the EU development aid for its
poorer southern regions -- money that has been instrumental in transforming the country from a sleepy agrarian backwater to one of the world's richest states.
Berlusconi likely is attempting to strong-arm the EU into forking over more development aid. Projects like the Sicilian bridge -- which should achieve longstanding EU integration goals -- are his means to that end.
STRATFOR.com.
Additional analysis from STRATFOR.com can be found at: http://www.stratfor.com
Berlusconi likely is attempting to strong-arm the EU into forking over more development aid. Projects like the Sicilian bridge -- which should achieve longstanding EU integration goals -- are his means to that end.
STRATFOR.com.
Additional analysis from STRATFOR.com can be found at: http://www.stratfor.com
This article is reprinted with permission from the publisher.
Photo of the Straits of Messina courtesy of:
http://www.virtualtourist.com
To visit the "pro-bridge" website: http://www.strettodimessina.it
Photo of the Straits of Messina courtesy of:
http://www.virtualtourist.com
To visit the "pro-bridge" website: http://www.strettodimessina.it