One of the things that motivates me the most in my work is meeting people who are enthusiastic about what they can achieve. Thanks to their experience and talent, they have transformed passion and hard work into successful businesses in Italy, Europe and the world, resulting in the "Made in Europe" concept at which we really excel.
It is no coincidence that in international economic data, which is often conflicting, exports continue to be a key growth factor. The figures are particularly significant.
According to Eurostat, both imports and exports increased in 2015 compared with the previous year, however this increase was larger for exports (€88bn) than for imports (€35bn). As a result, the EU-28's trade surplus increased from €11bn in 2014 to €64bn in 2015.
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It is therefore clear that foreign trade and internationalisation play a key role in the future of Italy and of Europe. Conquering new emerging markets and protecting superior products are priorities which the Union has to consider with a structured approach and which have long-term effects.
This is also faced with a rapidly changing international scenario, with great international powers which - if we take China as an example - take to the field with regulations that are often seriously disproportionate and detrimental to our businesses and workers.
Here in particular, the significance of the European Union is at stake and it can only have a future if it is able to take action to recognise, promote and support the "Made in Europe" concept as a means of development.
We cannot pursue an emergency but we can anticipate one, and to do so we need to implement a business strategy that is dynamic and modern.
We have been working on the issue for some time now and the European Parliament has, on several occasions, emphatically spoken out to encourage the European Commission to focus on these strategic objectives.
In particular, I recall that on 26 May last year, the single market strategy, for which I was rapporteur, was approved by a large majority.
This was an important achievement involving several stakeholders from all over Europe to seek precise and timely action: more transparency for consumers on the origin of products, equal conditions between European and third countries, geographical indications for non-agricultural goods, and mandatory labelling of craft and industrial items.
In particular, we have requested the submission of a legislative proposal to introduce a single European system for the protection of geographical indications for non-agricultural goods in the EU.
The aim of this is to create an actual single European system, putting an end to an inadequate and extremely fragmented situation. These are measures which, over time, will undoubtedly produce positive effects for the benefit of the European economic and social environment.
This will highlight the added value of numerous local products, bringing obvious benefits for manufacturers, for the region, and for consumer awareness.
We have also renewed the appeal for the European Council to quickly adopt the package relating to product safety and market surveillance.
The requirement to provide relevant information on products intended for retail trade, in particular, stating the country of origin, is now fundamental to protect consumers and step up the fight against counterfeiting.
Finally, in order to overcome regulatory differences between the various member states in relation to labelling and quality requirements which continue to create unnecessary obstacles to suppliers' activities and the protection of consumers, the Commission has been invited to examine the possibility of creating a compulsory labelling system to provide key product information, still following the logic of improved information for citizens and consumers.
This is the direction in which we should be moving: promoting, with adequate protection and support policies, the great European heritage: talent, local traditions and the ability to put into place innovative services when faced with problems.
Take, for example, the extraordinary IT sector, as well as eCommerce, the need to further harmonise standards and regulations in the goods and services and energy sectors and capital markets, and the support for start-ups and SMEs.
A lot of work still needs to be done: better implementation of the single market strategy alone would result in a 1.8 per cent increase of the Union's GDP.
Despite representing one of the major achievements arising from European integration, the single market has yet to reach its full potential to offer citizens and businesses a new era of freedom and growth. Europe isn't just about a single currency or bureaucracy. It's a great political project that even now, still has a lot left to achieve.