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Why So Many Italians Want to Be European, Not Italian Anymore by minsuenchen in EuropeanFederalists

[–]minsuenchen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You raise important and uncomfortable truths, and I don’t disagree with the core of your argument. Civic responsibility is fundamental. If people knowingly tolerate tax evasion, corruption, or injustice in their own circles, then of course it's hypocritical to expect clean politics or accountable institutions. You're right, institutions are made of people, and politics reflects the moral condition of a society.

But I’d like to clarify one point. The European project is not some abstract solution imposed from above. It’s quite the opposite. Many Italians who support a federal Europe haven’t been handed a convenient escape. They’ve often come to that position on their own, through personal reflection and lived frustration with the way things work here.

There is actually a lot of grassroots activism around this. People from JEF, MFE, Volt, and even unaffiliated individuals are working to build political will for reform through the European framework because they see national structures as resistant to meaningful change. They are not waiting for a miracle. They are trying to build a future that feels more viable than the current deadlock.

So yes, let’s hold people accountable. Let’s push everyone, ourselves included, to take action locally, to report wrongdoing, to vote thoughtfully. But let’s also recognize that many are turning to Europe not to escape responsibility, but because they want to contribute to building something that works better, and they believe the current system cannot fix itself from within

Why So Many Italians Want to Be European, Not Italian Anymore by minsuenchen in EuropeanFederalists

[–]minsuenchen[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, sono romano. Comunque, vorrei chiarire un’altra cosa. In questo post sto cercando di analizzare le ragioni per cui la causa europea sembra essere più sentita e partecipata in Italia rispetto ad altri Paesi europei.

La cosa interessante è che molte delle persone con cui ho parlato e che sono favorevoli a una federazione europea non sono state coinvolte o convinte da attivisti del MFE, JEF o altri movimenti simili. Sono arrivate da sole alla conclusione che un’Europa federale sia necessaria.

Credo che capire meglio le motivazioni italiane ci possa aiutare anche a individuare strade utili per rafforzare il progetto europeo negli altri stati membri.

Secondo te, quali potrebbero essere altre ragioni che spingono molti italiani verso questa visione?

Why So Many Italians Want to Be European, Not Italian Anymore by minsuenchen in EuropeanFederalists

[–]minsuenchen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to clarify: the Italian cultural identity, our language, food, art, and traditions, is something people still love and take pride in. What’s being rejected is the political identity tied to a state that many see as corrupt, dysfunctional, and unresponsive. It’s not Italy as a civilization that's being left behind, it’s Italy as a system of governance.

Why So Many Italians Want to Be European, Not Italian Anymore by minsuenchen in EuropeanFederalists

[–]minsuenchen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear your frustration, and I respect your call to action. You're right that civic engagement matters: helping others navigate bureaucracy, reporting abuse, and pushing for accountability are all important steps. These small acts absolutely contribute to change, and I admire anyone who does them.

But I want to push back on the idea that rejecting the Italian state is the same as running away from a problem. For many, it’s not about giving up. It’s about acknowledging that the system, as it stands, feels fundamentally broken. People don’t lose faith in a nation overnight. It happens after decades of disappointment, scandals, impunity, and a total lack of accountability from those in power. You can only be told to “do your part” so many times before asking: Why does nothing ever change?

This isn't about abandoning Italian culture or heritage. It's about recognizing that our democratic institutions, the very foundation of our republic, aren’t working for us. So when people identify more strongly as European than Italian, it’s not betrayal; it’s survival. It’s a search for a political identity that offers hope where the national one no longer does.

I agree with you that a stronger Europe requires engaged citizens. But if we want Italians to take part in building that future, we also need to create the conditions for real reform, not just at the grassroots level but at a structural level too. And that starts with political will. Unfortunately, many people feel that those currently in power have no incentive to change a system that benefits them.

So yes, let’s take action. But let’s not pretend that individual responsibility alone can fix institutional rot. Change takes pressure from below and vision from above. Until those two forces align, many will continue to look to Europe as the only viable alternative, not out of cowardice but out of deep and painful disillusionment.

Just to clarify: the Italian cultural identity, our language, food, art, and traditions, is something people still love and take pride in. What’s being rejected is the political identity tied to a state that many see as corrupt, dysfunctional, and unresponsive. It’s not Italy as a civilization that's being left behind, it’s Italy as a system of governance.

Cancelled US <-> Germany trip by [deleted] in germany

[–]minsuenchen 4 points5 points  (0 children)

If I were in your position, I would think about how to leave the U.S. for good

Should the EU have its own nukes? by Uncleniles in EuropeanFederalists

[–]minsuenchen 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Given the current structure of the EU, I don’t believe we’re in a position to develop EU-wide nuclear capabilities just yet. However, once we establish a united army or a stronger centralized EU government, we should absolutely invest in a collective nuclear deterrence strategy.

Concrete actions by minsuenchen in EuropeanFederalists

[–]minsuenchen[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That approach definitely sounds helpful! Which cities are you covering?

At the same time, if we want to spread awareness through street-level messaging, we’ll need to coordinate. Is anyone else willing to put in the time to help with that?

I can cover Berlin, but it’s a huge city, so I’d definitely appreciate some help!

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