Italy Meets Germany: A Forum for Young Leaders (IMG) "Common Strategies and Bilateral Relations in the New Era of Diplomacy"

The next IMG Weeklong Seminar will take place in Berlin from July 29th - August 1st, 2014

Italian German Relations

Introduction - Historical Overview

In order for countries to establish a strong relationship and mutual understanding with one another, it is first necessary to build a simple but successful platform based on of communication. Reflecting on and understanding historical events that involve two countries might be seen as a step forward in order to extend and strengthen the partner relation. When talking about the relationship between two countries, it is almost inevitable to find that those nations have crossed paths at some point in history.  Separately, Italy and Germany succeeded to establish themselves as independent nations in the mid nineteenth century. After the Italian Unification, relations between these two countries were strengthened. In the more recent past both countries have had an amicable relationship with each other, witnessing the fall of a Monarchy and the birth of a Republic. After the end of the World War II both countries faced a forced but necessary period of reconstruction under the control of the Allies. Italy and Germany formed an alliance during the Cold War and today they stand together as member states of the European Union.

From 1950 onwards the state of political relationship between Italy and Germany can certainly be described as intense as the two nations have maintained constant links through partner institutions, international events and festivities, diplomatic visits and direct communication with regards to national policy. During the 1990s, Italy and Germany’s close economic links allowed them to cope with and support each other in the world’s constantly changing and often unstable financial market. With the exception of the period of stagnation in the mid-1990s, relations between Italy and Germany have always been at the forefront of each countries national policy. Analyzing statistics from the last ten years of data concerning import-export activity shows that Italy and Germany remain important but also inter-reliant players in several sectors and marketplaces.

Overview of the Current Situation of International Relations

The instruments of diplomacy and the process of negotiation are perhaps more important than ever, especially in an era where global warfare is now considered by many states to be less effective as a means of settling conflict. Building a strong bilateral relation and creating a common strategy is something which is essential in order to sustain the perspective collaboration between countries. It is also a chance to strengthen strategic policies in order to contribute to the development of both sides and to serve as a role model in the new era of diplomacy.

The Italian-German Economic Partnership in the Context of the Euro Crisis

The former lines of bilateral cooperation between Italy and Germany e in need of revision as the economic situation in Italy is fast decreasing into recession and various civil sectors; such as energy, transport and new technologies, are suffering from severe financial cuts. In order to build a stronger defence against this economic crisis, Germany and Italy can find a common ground within the theme of cultural diplomacy. As a strategic tool in bringing people and nations together, cultural diplomacy can lead to the strengthening to strengthen economic relations between Italy and Germany. The EU prioritizes the facilitation of cultural institutions, encouraging connections and international dialogue at various levels.

Italian Economic Reinforcement

After a long period of financial struggle, Italy now finds itself with the opportunity for huge economic and industrial expansion, giving it potential to join the league of some of the most developed European countries, like Germany. However, in order to implement the proposed solutions to reform Italy’s economy, foreign aid is necessary and in this is where Germany could play an important role as an investor in the developing sectors of Italian industry, improving GDP and unemployment rates and increasing productivity. Italy flaunts a rich display of fashion, food and landscape, which promotes an enormous amount of tourists (the country is rated among the top 5 most visited countries in the world), making it a promising investment for Germany, whose stable economy could be the buoyancy aid for Italy’s economy. 

Public and private sectors

The common market of Italy and Germany within the EU allows the private and public sectors of each country to improve and expand by looking to each other for inspiration and support. The capital city of Germany is a must-visit destination not only for Italian fashion artists such as Valentino or Armani, but also for famous architects and designers like Renzo Piano or Pininfarina. Germany is a constant point of reference for Italy; offering paradigms for cultural structures, culture promotion and museum management systems, which are the most modern in the world. It allows Italy to develop more positive representation abroad in the foreign mass media and to build a good reputation that will attract visitors to its mainland.

Italy and Germany as Leaders of the Continent and the Mediterranean Micro-regions that need to cooperate

Together, Italy and Germany are seen as a positive tool to help Europe overcome its economic crisis, characterized by their willingness to overcome together the weaknesses of Europe. Germany has been seen as a great economic role model, with opportunities for quality research and an excellent place for global scientific community. On the other hand Italy is at the envy of others for its manufactory industry and trademarks, its design and style receiving global recognition. It is of enormous importance that these two countries have will and strength to move forward together to create effective economic policy instruments that can bring the EU to higher level.

The current political situation of Italy and Germany

Since April 28 2013 Enrico Letta has been appointed Prime Minister and Head of the Grand Coalition of Left and Right, for the first time since the late 1940s. Enrico Letta is very keen on pursuing closer ties with EU partners and seeking measures that will stimulate the economy. Just hours after winning the approval of Letta’s cabinet in the Senate, Letta met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting has been seen as a beginning step in deepening the relation of those two countries.
Financial crisis in Europe has also triggered political uncertainty and the rise of euro-sceptic parties, as well in Italy and in Germany. Support for such parties has reached unprecedented heights as recession, austerity and concerns over the integrity of national sovereignty have sapped voters’ confidence in their traditional parties of government. In the beginning of the year 2013 a prominent group of anti-euro German economists and business leaders has formed a political party, called Alternative for Germany, to challenge Germany's support for euro-zone bailouts. In Italy too, euro scepticism has reached a high level. Since the last elections in February 2013, the anti-euro party Five Star Movement, led by Italian activist, comedian, and blogger Beppe Grillo, has become the second most voted list in the Chamber of Deputies and in the Senate.

The potential of the German-Italian relations

Intercultural communication between Italy and Germany has already been established through strong tourism, trademark, international dialogues and conferences. Supporting each other’s economy in times of crisis could serve to extend the bond between the two nations and improve political stability. Germany may act as a role model in the EU but it cannot support Europe alone. Cooperation and compromise among all European Union members is necessary in order to promote solidarity and reconciliation. This needs to be performed by individual, community, state and institutional players in order to facilitate and improve relations and collaboration between disparate cultures leading to an eventual unified and stable assembly of nations.