In this episode, Garrison is joined by returning guest Massimiliano Gobbato.  The two discuss the EU’s COVID response, recovery plan, and vaccine rollout.  They take a strategic look at Italy’s Conte as he exits government and as Mario Draghi rises to power in Rome, in parallel to Armin Laschet’s victory in Germany’s CDU and the looming post-Merkel era of policy from Berlin.  Further topics include Biden and transatlantic relations, from responding to Russia, competing with China, and dealing with climate change. Massimiliano is the Communications Director for PubAffairs Bruxelles.  He has previously worked as a Project Evaluator and External Advisor to the European Commission, as well as in several public affairs and communications roles in the NGOs sector, and the European media industry. He has published as a freelance, special contributor and independent researcher on various global and EU-related politics and policy issues. He holds a Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy, as well as an M.A. in European Studies from the College of Europe. Garrison Moratto is the founder and host of The New Diplomatist Podcast; he holds a M.S. of International Relations as well as a B.S. in Government: Public Administration (Summa Cum Laude) from Liberty University in the United States. All guest opinions are their own and not that of The New Diplomatist podcast formally.  Please subscribe and leave a review for feedback; join the podcast on Patreon for bonus perks.  Follow The New Diplomatist on Twitter and Instagram. Thank you for listening.