Italy’s reform course was one of the central issues raised at the press conference addressed jointly by Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi after their talks. Italy is currently going through an exceptional phase of reform, and will continue to pursue this course declared Matteo Renzi. Following decisions made at European level, Italy is determined to stick to this course. He stressed that, "We are not doing this because Europe demands that we do, but because it is the right thing to do."

The Chancellor praised Italy’s reform programme and wished Matteo Renzi every success with it. She has no doubts that the measures adopted by Renzi and the Italian government can be implemented - "and at a pretty impressive rate too". Angela Merkel also declared her conviction that some reforms will have a very rapid impact.

The zeal for reform must not falter

Commenting on the decisions made by the European Central Bank on Thursday, Angela Merkel said that politicians must be aware of their responsibility. They cannot now lean back and think that they no longer need to do what is necessary, she stressed.

She does not have the impression that the decision of the European Central Bank could lead to Italy abandoning its reform course. She is very much reassured by everything that is currently being done in Italy, she said. "But that must apply to all states."

Politicians must put in place the framework

Matteo Renzi too affirmed his commitment to further reforms in Europe, and urged, "We must proceed with greater verve." The European Central Bank decision was important, he said. In conjunction with the European Commission’s investment programme, the weaker euro and the more flexible interpretation of the Stability Pact, it is an important element in efforts to kindle an upswing in Europe.

In the final analysis though, it is up to politicians to put in place the framework for economic revival and growth. It cannot be assumed that this step alone will be enough to banish the spectre of stagnation and deflation in Europe. The rate of reform is important for Italy, underscored the country’s head of government. "The sooner we complete these structural reforms, the sooner we can make the entire system stable," said Matteo Renzi.

The agenda for the G7 Presidency

There was broad agreement between Angela Merkel and Matteo Renzi on the issues that will be important during Germany’s G7 Presidency. They discussed energy and health (Ebola), the GAVI (The Vaccine Alliance) conference to be held next week in Berlin, and the matter of refugees. The situation in Ukraine was also on the agenda. In this context Angela Merkel and Matteo Renzi urged both Russia and Ukraine to make every effort to achieve a diplomatic solution.

The special role of Europe was a particular concern of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Europe, he said, is an ideal whose values we must defend together. The two heads of government pointed out that the EU must focus on its shared values and not let itself be reduced to a mere bureaucracy.