“Rule of law is crucial for promoting a sustainable economy”

Cristina Barbetta

Interview with the rapporteur of the EESC own-initiative opinion on "The rule of law and its impact on economic growth." A fundamental EU value, “the rule of law is instrumental for the functioning of society, fundamental rights, civil society, as well as the economy." (..) “Investments crucially depend on having stable and reliably and impartially enforced common rules. Strengthening the rule of law by promoting reforms in areas such as effective justice systems and the fight against corruption would also reinforce the competitiveness and sustainability of the economy,”explains Jukka Ahtela

Patrick Gomes (ACP Group of States):«Diversifying partnerships is key for our future»

Joshua Massarenti

Ambassador Patrick Gomes shares his views regarding the main and most pressing challenges that the ACP (The African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States) is facing.

Ken Loach:The European Union is a neo-liberal project

Monica Straniero

Since the 1960s, Ken Loach has been known for his hard-hitting social dramas exploring issues such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment and exploitation. The acclaimed film director and passionate socialist arrived yesterday in Rome to promote I Daniel Blake, which won the Palme d’Or at last month’s Cannes film festival.

Civil society organizations' support in building inclusive institutions

Martino Pillitteri

The social situation and the threat of terrorism are the two main factors that could undermine the gains of the revolution. However, civil society organizations are not passive nor afraid to play a role in the promotion of democratic values and practices. Just as PASC-Tunisie is doing with its Programme d’Appui à la Société Civile program.

Aiesec integrating refugees

Cristina Barbetta

AIESEC Italy has launched InteGREAT, a project with the aim of receiving and integrating refugees and asylum seekers in Italy. On the 3rd of May AIESEC Italy was awarded by Martin Schulz, President of the European Parliament, the prestigious European Charlemagne Youth Prize thanks to the InteGREAT project. Interview with Guiscardo Urso, President of AIESEC Italy.

Bad banks are bad news for savers

Monica Straniero

Last week, the European Commission and Italy reached an accord on a scheme to help Italian banks sell some of their 200 billion euros of bad loans. “This intervention will not create any burdens for our public finances,” the finance ministry said. However, Professor Luigi Zingales is not so optimistic.

Libya, not lost in transition

Martino Pillitteri

Farida El Allagi, Libyan Ambassador at the European Union, acknowledges to Vita international how her country and the Arab world are progressing despite the internal deterrents and the interferences from abroad.

Increased repression putting human rights defenders lives at risk

Kimberley Evans

The recent shooting of Burundian human rights defender Pierre Claver Mbonimpa highlights what human rights foundation Front Line Defender’s are calling a “growing global backlash against human rights defenders (HRDs), which has now reached crisis point”. Vita International spoke to Emma Achilli, head of Front Line Defender's European Union Office, to learn more.