The European Union has been supported by lofty goals since it was founded. One reads: "Strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion and solidarity between EU member countries." That also always meant: No member state should subsidize its own economy excessively, because this could be at the expense of the partner states and fair domestic trade. At its core, the idea is commendable because it protects smaller economies like Italy from powerful ones like Germany. Nevertheless, it is now high time to say goodbye to all too iron and rigid principles.

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