by InTrieste
In a world marked by persistent instability and conflicts that threaten economic stability, Europe must respond with determination and a clear Atlantic orientation, the regional councilor for productive activities and tourism, Sergio Emidio Bini, said on Thursday at the opening of the fourth edition of Open Dialogues for the Future in Udine.
The two-day forum, organized by the Pordenone-Udine Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with The European House–Ambrosetti and supported by the regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia, has brought about 30 international speakers — including academics, business leaders and policy makers — to the Friulian capital to discuss geopolitics and global economic trends.
Speaking during the institutional opening alongside Giovanni Da Pozzo, president of the chamber of commerce; its vice president Michelangelo Agrusti; Bruno Malattia of the Fondazione Friuli; Andrea Prete, president of Unioncamere; and the mayor of Udine, Alberto Felice De Toni, Bini described the current crisis in the Middle East as another “black swan” event — an unexpected shock that local administrations and businesses must confront.
He pointed in particular to the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that the situation has direct repercussions for energy prices and supply chains.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has direct consequences on energy costs, further penalizing our companies, which already face an unacceptable competitive gap,” Bini said.
Citing recent data, he noted that Italian companies pay significantly more for electricity than their European counterparts — about 87 percent more than in France and roughly 70 percent more than in Spain.
Against this backdrop, Bini urged Europe to overcome internal divisions and pursue structural reforms, including changes to the common energy market and stronger coordination in defense policy. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining close strategic ties with the United States.
Reforming Europe’s energy market, he said, is “not science fiction but a necessity.” At the same time, he called for stronger measures to protect European industry, including support for strategic sectors and a preference for goods produced within the European Union.
Despite global uncertainty, Bini said the productive system of Friuli Venezia Giulia had shown resilience. The region, he added, is working closely with business associations and other stakeholders to respond to international challenges.
“Friuli Venezia Giulia is not a spectator,” he said. “It intends to be an active player, ready to face the challenges of the future with seriousness and expertise.”
