Italy and the Future of the EU

“Italy and the eurozone have been thrown into uncertainty after Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation following a crushing defeat of his constitutional reform in a referendum on Sunday... Italians rejected Renzi’s reforms by 60 percent to 40 percent and handed a major political win for the anti-euro, populist Five Star Movement” (EU Observer, December 5, 2016). Germany’s finance minister has also threatened Greece, saying it must “carry out unpopular reforms if it wants to stay in the Eurozone” (Russia Today, December 5, 2016). As the EU Observer reported, “With France and the Germany [sic] facing decisive elections next year, and with Italy already in turmoil, Europe could change profoundly in 2017 and put the future of euro into doubt once again. France’s far-right leader Marine Le Pen hailed the Italian referendum results and tweeted: ‘The Italians have disavowed the EU and Renzi. We must listen to this thirst for freedom of nations.’”

The EU’s current 28-nation bloc or 19-nation Eurozone, is too large to function effectively. Bible prophecy reveals that a final configuration of this group will include “ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast.” They will be “of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast” (Revelation 17:12-13). The winds of change are blowing in Europe, and 2017 promises to be a very interesting year. To learn more about events in Europe, read or listen to our booklet The Beast of Revelation!