Italy and the European Union (Brookings-Sspa Series on Public Administration)

Federiga Bindi provides, for the first time, an in-depth analysis of Italy's role within the European Union (EU) in this inaugural volume of a book series published jointly by the Brookings Institution Press and the Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione (Italian National School of Public Administration, or SSPA). Italy and the European Union relates in detail the historical, cultural, and sociological factors that have led to Italy's incomplete "Europeanization," or full integration, within the EU. It also brings the reader up-to-date on the steps taken by the country's leaders to improve Italy's standing and become a more effective member in the organization it helped to found. Discussing the author's extensive research, The Economist notes . . . . "Federiga Bindi identified a number of barriers to an effective European policy in Italy: a high turnover of governments; coalition partners with conflicting aims; the failure of bureaucrats to learn from other member states; and politicians' lack of interest in Europe . . . recently however, she found that matters had improved. An interdepartmental body for the coordination of EU policies has been created, Parliament operates an effective scrutiny system . . . , the administration has learnt to learn from others. But the other problems remain, and they are formidable. Her study ends on an exasperated note: 'Italy appears to be stuck in the age of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, in which the victory of one faction over another is what counts, and the fact that this may be damaging to the country matters little.'" —from The Economist, July 31, 2010 A Brookings Institution Press and Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione (SSPA) publicationFederiga Bindi provides, for the first time, an in-depth analysis of Italy's role within the European Union (EU) in this inaugural volume of a book series published jointly by the Brookings Institution Press and the Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione (Italian National School of Public Administration, or SSPA). Italy and the European Union relates in detail the historical, cultural, and sociological factors that have led to Italy's incomplete'Europeanization,'or full integration, within the EU. It also brings the reader up-to-date on the steps taken by the country's leaders to improve Italy's standing andbecome a more effective member in the organization it helped to found.Discussing the author's extensive research, The Economist notes....'Federiga Bindi identified a number of barriers to an effective Europeanpolicy in Italy: a high turnover of governments; coalition partners withconflicting aims; the failure of bureaucrats to learn from other memberstates; and politicians'lack of interest in Europe... recently however, she found that matters had improved. An interdepartmental body for the coordination of EU policies has been created, Parliament operates an effective scrutiny system..., the administration has learnt to learn from others. But the other problems remain, and they are formidable. Her study ends on an exasperated note:'Italy appears to be stuck in the age of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, in which the victory of one faction over another is what counts, and the fact that this may be damaging to the country matters little.''—from The Economist, July 31, 2010 " Federiga Bindi provides, for the first time, an in-depth analysis of Italy's role within the European Union (EU) in this inaugural volume of a book series published jointly by the Brookings Institution Press and the Scuola Superiore della Pubblica Amministrazione (Italian National School of Public Administration, or SSPA). Italy and the European Union relates in detail the historical, cultural, and sociological factors that have led to Italy's incomplete ""Europeanization,"" or full integration, within the EU. It also brings the reader up-to-date on the steps taken by the country's leaders to improve Italy's standing and become a more effective member in the organization it helped to found. Discussing the author's extensive research, The Economist notes.... ""Federiga Bindi identified a number of barriers to an effective European policy in a high turnover of governments; coalition partners with conflicting aims; the failure of bureaucrats to learn from other member states; and politicians' lack of interest in Europe... recently however, she found that matters had improved. An interdepartmental body for the coordination of EU policies has been created, Parliament operates an effective scrutiny system..., the administration has learnt to learn from others. But the other problems remain, and they are formidable. Her study ends on an exasperated 'Italy appears to be stuck in the age of the Guelphs and the Ghibellines, in which the victory of one faction over another is what counts, and the fact that this may be damaging to the country matters little.'"" from The Economist , July 31, 2010 " Presents A Comprehensive Study Of Italy's Role In The European Union And What That Country Needs To Do As A 'medium-sized Power' To Increase Its Influence In The Eu, Chiefly By Putting Forward Well-defined Goals And Consistent Strategies Through Credible Actors--provided By Publisher. Introduction : Italy's Future Role In The European Union -- The Theoretical Framework -- Italy And The Eu In Historical Perspective -- Parties And Public Opinion Regarding Europe -- The Italian Parliament And The Eu : A Slow And Gradual Europeanization -- Adapting The State Machine : The Executive -- Territorial Politics And Organized Interests -- Eu Constitutional Policies And High Politics -- Negotiating Low Politics -- Conclusion : The Long Road To Brussels. Federiga Bindi. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 211-231) And Index. "Presents a comprehensive study of Italy's role in the European Union and what that country needs to do as a 'medium-sized power' to increase its influence in the EU, chiefly by putting forward well-defined goals and consistent strategies through credible actors"--Résumé de l'éditeur