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Opinions differ in particular on a European policy which would standardize the rights and duties of workers throughout Europe. Eddy LEMAISTRE / Contributor / Getty Images

Final stretch of the electoral campaign for the Europeans. A Europe built through economic and monetary integration, but still groping. Other sectors are still to be explored. But should there be more or less European integration at social and professional level? Opinions diverge, as in Italy for example.

For greater protection of workers and a reduction of inequalities, Pierpaolo Leonardi, from the Italian union USB, wants to turn to Brussels.

" It is the European workers who are building internationalism and not the elites. We consider that the European Union is the disease and not the cure. It is absolutely necessary to free oneself from the shackles of the European treaties. "

Opinion more favorable to European integration on the side of the Italian confederation of workers' unions. Mirko Dolzadelli, regional secretary, wants European citizenship to be built through work as well.

" It can be done through a strong dialogue within the European Trade Union Confederation. Create a unique social protection system, think of a more social Europe, and a European labor policy that standardizes the rights and duties of workers throughout Europe. "

But Francesco Daveri, an economist at Bocconi University, does not really believe it. " That would be nice, but do not dream. If there is something that national governments want to jealously guard, it is social legislation. Because citizens who vote on national bases are very sensitive to these issues. "

It does not exclude the idea of ​​common rules in terms of unemployment assistance. But national variants would be needed, as standards of living are currently too disparate.

See also: Italy: a countryside far removed from Europe