“Italy is the geographic center of Europe, and Milan is the capital of Europe, making Italy’s involvement essential in the EU,” he said. “It was compulsory for Italy to join. Italy did not want to be left out, and we needed support.”

Papi noted that Italy has taken part since the beginning of the EU, making him proud to be an Italian. “The people joined mainly on paper. The idea was great. The Berlin Wall fell down, and things go fast. It gave us something for the future,” said Clementi.

Italy is beginning to adapt to the new system, and benefits are definitely beginning to show in big projects such as funding repairs on the Flamina Road leading to Rome, Clementi said. The repairs were approved after money began to come from the EU.

However, the long-term benefits of the EU go far beyond renovations and repairs in Cagli.

The EU has also benefited Italy’s education system. Antonio Serafini from F. Michelini Tocci School said that the EU will help Italy’s educational system resemble those of other European countries, which he sees as a good thing.

One of the most significant changes, and perhaps one of the largest benefits brought to Italy by the EU, is the unified currency, the euro, Papi said.

For example, the euro is stronger than the U.S. dollar, improving profits at the Cariaggi Cashmere factory in Cagli because it exports to the United States.

Despite challenges initially created by the EU, both Papi and Clementi agreed that the entrance into the EU is beneficial for Cagli, and Italy as a whole.

“Italy is in an adventure, in which we play an important part. We are a generous people who get used to other systems with no problems,” said Clementi.