(ANSA) - ROME, NOV 12 - European Commission Executive Vice President-Designate Raffaele Fitto told his confirmation hearing at the European Parliament on Tuesday that he was not representing Italy or his party but Europe as a whole.
    Fitto, who will have the reform and cohesion portfolio if he is confirmed by MEPs, is a leading member of Premier Giorgia Meloni's rightwing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party.
    FdI voted against European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen getting a second term after June's EU elections. "Five years ago I was sitting among you," said Fitto, a former MEP who has been Italian minister for European Affairs, the South and Cohesion in the Meloni government.
    "I remember my political journey, from the local to the national level to Brussels.
    "I have always worked for a stronger Europe.
    "It is an honour for me and I am ready to put all my experience at the service of the Commission.
    "It is an honour that my government recommended me.
    "I am not here to represent a political party or a member state, but for my commitment to Europe". (ANSA).