Enrico Letta

Europe faces the risk of becoming a “sandwich” between the U.S. and Asia amid an ongoing economic war, while discussions on upgrading and unifying the Union’s defense mechanisms remain at a theoretical level.

The "exit" narratives that once dominated the political discourse in the European Union are now a thing of the past, but these European Parliament elections will judge the degree of commitment to the further integration of the bloc, former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta tells Kathimerini.

European Union leaders have debated a new "European Competitiveness Deal" aimed at helping the 27-nation bloc close the economic production gap with Chinese and American rivals amid fears the region's industries will otherwise be left behind for good.

Italy's teetering government was thrown a lifeline Thursday after the country's president refused to accept the resignation of Prime Minister Mario Draghi, insisting he address parliament in a bid to avoid snap elections.

Next year will be crucial for the future of Europe as three major institutions will see major change.

It will be the first time that a new head of the European Central Bank will be selected, a new European Commission be appointed and elections be held for the European Parliament in the same year, Enrico Letta, former prime minister of Italy, noted on Thursday.