Italy has a new head of government.
This time it was 73-year-old economist Mario Draghi.
Since 2000, this is the tenth (!) Change of the head of the Cabinet of Ministers in a country whose policy towards Russia can be called the most friendly among all EU countries.
At one time, before speaking at the women's forum in Paris, I asked the assistants to analyze the tone of headlines in the European press in relation to Russia.
Crimea had already been annexed, and the second Cold War, with its sanctions, lack of credit, and militant rhetoric, gained momentum.
The report indicated that it is Italy that is the leader in terms of moderate or positive references to our country.
Silvio Berlusconi, who has warm relations with Vladimir Putin, has not held the first post in this country for seven years, so it was quite possible to rely on the numbers.
The foreign trade balance of our countries does not differ much.
In 2019, the Italians supplied goods worth $ 11 billion to Russia, and in return we exported goods worth $ 14.5 billion.Therefore, there is no reason to think that any political statements are due to cold calculation.
Yes, after 2014, trade between our countries has more than halved - from the past $ 50 billion to the current $ 25 billion, but I will not point a finger at those who started the sanctions policy or joined it first.
At one time, the European Union became a form of giving up part of sovereignty in favor of a more even distribution of money and opportunities.
At that time, however, the project of violent multiculturalism was not yet launched: mandatory quotas for migrants were not introduced, and European countries needed a little more than two administrative arrests to consider an emigrant a political refugee.
Now, any speech by the first person in an EU member state begins with a promise to sacredly observe the values (and rules!) Of this organization, which is slightly cracked at the seams.
Mario Draghi's words were half known before he uttered them.
As for the words spoken about strengthening the mechanisms of dialogue with Russia (an eerie verbal construction), no one pulled for the language of Mr. Draghi, whose surname is translated as "dragons".
As you know, we have not burned a single bridge either since 1991 or since 2000.
We stand and methodically record the bustle and panic of firefighters on the other side of the Morava, Narva and Western Dvina.
But let's be objective: constructive voices are not limited to Italy alone.
Germany (with American troops on its territory) is also finally thinking about which ally can give it more impetus for development.
The French, represented by Macron (the rest of them burn tires on weekends), are also playing pluralism.
Somewhere out there, in the neutral zone, there is also Austria and Switzerland (which is neutral by official definition and has been for many, many years).
I generally keep quiet about the Hungarians, Greeks and Cypriots.
Well, it is not worth counting on the fact that the same Great Britain will someday come to its senses.
It is enough to read the history of our relationship.
Who is really happy to arrange some kind of intervention: either to the Crimea, or to Vladivostok or the Caucasus, if Iran gives such an opportunity.
In general, we cannot say about our relations with Europe (and the EU in particular) that everything is lost except honor.
We are patient people.
Everything will be fine.
The author's point of view may not coincide with the position of the editorial board.