THE’EU he traced the road: on the one hand they are aiming at European rearmament as a deterrence tool after recent geopolitical crises; on the other hand, after decades of relocation, aspires to a massive plan of reindustrialisation. Both paths, which are intertwined with each other, are not without obstacles, starting from the finding of resources, organizational critical issues and an internal debate often with harsh tones.
And both paths open new perspectives for Italian companies and for the country system in general. Quifinance discussed it with Carlo RussianCEO and Founder of AffarieSteri.it. Russo leads a pool of professionals who accompany companies in growth and internationalization processes.
What are the new perspectives for the European Union, between rearm and reindustrialisation?
Today we wonder if it is right to re -enter Europe. The question that should actually ask yourself another: “Is it right to defend yourself?”. We also give the answer that is believed, however, in addition to regretEurope should also understand which path to take for reindustrialize. The crucial problem is precisely this: in Europe, in fact, nothing is produced more. In addition, the various countries do not march compact but at different speeds.
The less than the production capacity will inevitably push Europe more and more towards China, today the main actor in the manufactures. It cannot be denied that theIndia He is recovering ground, but has a long way in front of him to become competitive with China.
In the short term there is then another criticality, related to the duties introduced by Trump, or the risk that complicating access to the American market, China ind the Europe of goods to Bass costmaking further competition to our manufacture. Trump, however, does not want to push Europe in the arms of China: he wants, if anything, isolating it And he knows that with the duties he will be able to bring it back to a compromise. The duties are nothing but one instrument negotiation.
Today, Turchia has taken away, in the European area there is no one able to produce large quantities in small prices.
Is Europe ready for the challenge represented by reindustrialisation?
European reindustrialization, to date, does not exist. Rather, it is a goal that must certainly be pursued. But the ways and times are understood. Having said that, Europe must regain the role that it is due. Take the example of Germany, where wicked trade union policies weakened the country and contributed to the crisis of what was the greatest industrial power on the continent. The Merz case (With the designated chancellor that for the first time ever he was unable to be elected in the first round, being accompanied by francs rackets; Today Merz is driving a compromise government born in the name of instability, editor’s note). Just a few years ago Angela Merkel’s Germany enjoyed something else and was able to impose her choices to the interlocutors.
Does this scenario open new possibilities for Italy?
Today Italy lives one favorable condition which could potentially be translated into concrete advantages: on the one hand the country is in direct dialogue with the USA, thanks to Meloni-Trump report. However, consider it, it is a point in favor. On the other hand, as mentioned, there is the German weakness to which the difficulties of the Francewhich after faced a political crisis today loses GDP and power. Italy can exploit these situations to apply to become the new locomotive in Europe, as was Germany until a decade ago. We can certainly do it, I am optimistic.
What path should Italy follow for a new industrialization?
To achieve a central role in Europe we must necessarily reindustrialize ourselves and this provides for a series of intermediate steps, starting from an aggressive one industrial policyfrom the Reduction of the cost of labor and from the bladder of many bureaucratic obligations which take time, resources and money to companies. Let’s face it: the true drama of those who do business in Italy is bureaucracy, for this reason it is necessary to introduce simplifications. Something, in this sense, has already been done. I think, for example, of the Zes. And I think of the initiatives of the Minister for the Public Administration Paolo Zangrillo, whose vision is certainly the right one, but the road that leads to modernize the Italy system is still long.
And that’s not all: already Mario Draghi, in his report drawn up on behalf of the European Commission, clarified that Europe cannot be missing the appointment with a recovered industrial competitiveness. For the EU, as well as for Italy, first of all it is necessary to reduce i Energy costs. But it is also necessary to find the workforce. Very often companies would be ready to hire, but they cannot find adequate professional profiles.
What financial instruments are available to support SMEs today in their internationalization projects in strategic sectors such as energy, defense, digitization or manufacture?
There are many. In particular, for those who have financial relations with abroad, the role of Sace (Insurance and financial services for companies). Sace active insurance coverage also in case of non -payment, among other things. It is particularly important, also because those who sell or build abroad cannot always have all the information information on the customer or the client.
How does the new geopolitical context affect, with Europe aiming to become more autonomous from the US and China?
A more independent Europe from the USA is pure utopia. And it is utopian to hope for greater independence from China, unless, as mentioned, there is a process of reindustrialization.
Rearm Europe provides a strong push to internal production in the defense sector. An opportunity to ride the trend for SMEs operating in the survey (materials, components, logistics, software)?
Surely. We have two flagships represented by Leonardo And FincantieriSo we can predict that these two Italian realities will manage a good slice of the money that the EU will make available for rearmament. These two large companies, then, will reassure the orders to their suppliers, who very often are Italian SMEs.
With the contribution of Affariestri.it
