Ventotene meeting - symbolism or innovation ?

Preparations for the informal (UK not invited) Bratislava EU summit 16 September are comprehensive. To day Italian PM Renzi hosts Chancellor Merkel and President Hollande for talks at the Ventotene island near Naples. His choice of this island as venue is very symbolic. This is the place where Altiero Spinnelli and Ernesto Rossi were imprisoned during the war and wrote the Manifesto of Ventotene i 1941. They argued for a European Federation to prevent the emergence of nationalism and new wars. The manifesto is a seminal document i the EU history. Spinelli, which later became both a European Commissioner and MEP (the main building of the European Parliament in Brussels is named after him), is also buried here, and the three leaders will lay a wreath on his tomb.

The Ventotene meeting might potentially be important. EU seems to be at a crossroads - a choice between more or less Europe. The leaders are unsure and perceptions among the member states  varies. Diplomacy and political activity before the Bratislava meeting will include all member states, but the three leaders that meet today are heavyweights, and their perceptions usually provides guidance for plenary discussions. 

It can probably be tempting to get carried away by a Federation mood at Ventotene, but the three leaders should be cautious in drawing conclusions or send strong signals. The challenges can not be solved through persistent faith in old beliefs, but requires flexibility and if possible innovative thinking. 

The Ventotene Manifesto represented innovative thinking, which Monnet later elaborated. But while the Federative idea in the Manifesto has been highlighted it should be noted that it also says that the integration will be carried out 

while allowing every state to retain the necessary autonomy for establishing and developing a political life which takes into account the specific characteristics of its people.