The Italian government has officially nominated Minister for European Affairs Raffaele Fitto to serve as the country's representative in the upcoming European Commission, as announced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Fitto, 55, has played a crucial role in managing Italy's EU COVID-19 recovery funds and is recognized for his extensive experience, including a past as an EU lawmaker and regional president of Puglia. Meloni described the decision as painful but necessary, acknowledging the challenges of finding a successor to Fitto who can manage Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). The Italian government aims for a significant role within the Commission, despite previous opposition from Meloni's party towards Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Meloni expressed confidence that Italy's importance as a founding member of the EU will be acknowledged in the nomination process. The formal cabinet decision is expected to be finalized shortly, with Fitto anticipated to face confirmation hearings before the European Parliament.