“The European Union Is the Best Recipe for Peace, Growth and Mutual Understanding”

Q&A with Ambassador Armando Varricchio, Italian Ambassador to the United States

Name: Armando Varricchio | Age: 58| Hometown: Venice, Italy
Ambassador to the U.S. since: March 2, 2016

Tell me a little bit about your family background and childhood. Where did you grow up and what was your family like?

I was born in Venice and raised in the mainland in Vicenza, a historic city in the Venetian area with a strong industrial tradition, very open to the world, but at the same time connected to its roots and traditions. I went to college in Padova at a very old university dating back to 1222 — this is where I started international relations. After school I started working in a private textile company, but then I decided to join the foreign service.

What made you decide to join the foreign service instead of pursuing a career in the private sector?

The textile company I worked for is one of the most famous in Italy. Given the strong, traditional industrial base of my city, that would have been a traditional path to pursue a career in business. But because of my interest in and appetite for foreign policy, I decided to apply to join the foreign service. This was a tough decision for a 23-year old boy. When I passed the written examinations and was admitted to the second step, I took a risk and decided to resign from my job in order to better prepare myself. It was a gamble but eventually it paid off.

You were a young diplomat in Budapest during the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact and the Soviet Union, and also in Serbia, where you advocated for Serbian membership in the European Union. What were the most important lessons you learned from that experience?

I was in Budapest in ’89 during the fall of the Berlin wall and the great revolutions that eventually led those countries into the European Union. Because of the lessons I learned while serving in Budapest, I was very supportive of Serbia joining the European Union.

Indeed, I think that the European Union is the best recipe for peace, growth and mutual understanding.

Southeastern Europe and the Balkans in particular have always been through very difficult confrontations, civil wars, and tragedies. Because of the absence of Europe, we had a civil war in the 90’s. Had we had Europe back then we would have escaped that very tragic part of our history.

But joining the EU is not a piece of cake; it’s a painful process and you have to go through very thorough negotiations. But even with all the difficulties and strains, I believe that Serbia fully deserves this — for the sake of Serbia and for the sake of Europe.

Why should Americans, or Europeans for that matter, care about the EU?

It’s not just because of history, but because our democracies have so much in common. We will soon commemorate D-Day, that historic moment when Americans came to European shores to save Europe from itself.

We understand that the world is turning global, that there are new players, but there’s nothing like transatlantic relations. Prosperity, wealth, and peace in Europe are core to American national interest.

If Europe were to start dividing itself, if we were to reopen old wounds and grievances that are part of our history, the economic and political impact would be felt also across the Atlantic. An unstable Europe poses a geopolitical threat and also America would eventually pay a price.

What do you hope to see the EU accomplish in the next 5–10 years?

First, a real common fiscal policy because we cannot have a common currency unless there is strong fiscal integration. Second, migration. We managed to abolish and tear down borders among the Member States of the EU but we have not managed to create a common migration policy. Whoever enters into any country in Europe has access to Europe, so it is important that the borders of Europe are protected by common institutions, by common police, and this has to be done through a strong political integration.

With the waves of Italian immigration to San Francisco, Boston, New York, Chicago and different parts of this country, Italian culture is very much a part of American culture. What unites Italians, whether they are Italian Americans who came many generations ago or Italians today?

There are more than 20 million Americans of Italian descent, so Italy and Italians really forged this great country. There are Italians everywhere, from senior members of the Administration and Congress to business, culture, journalism, and in many other fields. Italy is a very special country and if you are an Italian or an American of Italian descent, you keep this special place in your heart. Even those who were born and raised here consider Italy not just their country, but their source of inspiration.

What Italy has given to the world in terms of heritage, civilization, and culture, and what we are still able to offer in terms of innovation and fashion is still very much admired.

Last month was the European Month of Culture. What role does cultural diplomacy play in the relations between Italy and the US?

Culture is such an important, essential feature of what we do. Whether we speak about business, science, technology, or foreign policy, there’s always a cultural touch. Whoever thinks about Italy thinks about culture.

How do you define Italian culture?

All throughout the centuries — from the Roman Empire, to the middle ages, from the renaissance, to enlightenment, and then to modern and contemporary times — Italy has always been a place where people had a natural interest to produce culture. This has always been a continuous process and, in Italy, everything is culture in a way. Not just paintings and sculptures, but design and, for instance, cuisine.

I remember once in Tennessee, I visited an industrial site with many plants and many factories. When I arrived there, I immediately spotted the Italian factory because it was different in terms of size, proportion, and the way the architecture was perfectly integrated into the landscape. For me, also this is culture.

Culture allows you to open up your mind and understand what is different. To connect with those who do not necessarily look like you, think as you think, or speak as you speak. Culture is a natural bridge in times when there is a tendency to retrench into what we call, small tribes. It’s the opposite of preserving homogenous groups.

Of course, all Americans are familiar with the top Italian tourist destinations — Rome, Sicily, Venice, Milan. Are there any off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy that you would recommend?

This year’s European Capital of Culture is Matera, an old town in the southern part of Italy, a center of a region not traditionally well known. Matera is so interesting and I would suggest our American friends to go and visit. In May in DC we promoted a musical festival with the Kennedy Center named “Unexpected Italy” in order to present to the American public a different experience of Italian culture. From north, to south, to the islands, every part of our country has so much to offer.

Looking back on your career, what advice would you give to your younger self?

To be interested in the world, but at the same time promote the role of Italy in the world as a global player. To be open, to be curious, always keeping in mind that we have a special responsibility to our fellow citizens because we serve our country.

What are you most proud of?

The fact that I managed throughout my now long career to preserve my family. You bring with you your spouse, your children, so it’s quite a demanding responsibility. Always remember you have responsibility to your country, but also to your family.

This story is part of the @EUintheUS “Ambassador Spotlight Series,” featuring in-depth, personal interviews with ambassadors from the European Union’s 28 Member States. Follow our publication and stay tuned for the next story.