Sergio Mattarella

A Greek Presidential Guard presents arms before the arrival of Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Presidential Palace in Athens, Tuesday. President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said Greece and Italy suffer from two crises - one financial and one relating to refugees - which extend beyond their borders.

Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni was named Dec. 11 as Italy's new prime minister following reformist leader Matteo Renzi's resignation in the wake of a crushing referendum defeat.

Matteo Renzi bowed out as Italian prime minister with a combination of jokes, regrets and a strong hint that he wants to lead his party into an early election battle.

Political consultations on forming a caretaker government started on Dec. 8, after Renzi formally submitted his resignation to President Sergio Mattarella following a crushing referendum defeat.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi formally resigned Dec. 5 after a crushing referendum defeat that has sent shockwaves around Europe - though his departure will be delayed by a final task, passing a budget.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation on Dec. 5, hours after it was confirmed he had suffered a crushing defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform that has sparked fresh jitters about the fate of a united Europe.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi announced his resignation on Dec. 5, hours after it was confirmed he had suffered a crushing defeat in a referendum on constitutional reform.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has resigned after suffering a heavy defeat in a referendum over his plan to reform the constitution.
In a late-night news conference, he said he took responsibility for the outcome, and said the No camp must now make clear proposals.
With most ballots counted, the No vote leads with 60% against 40% for Yes.

A meeting of ten presidents of parliamentary republics across the EU is to start in Plovdiv, Bulgaria's second-largest city, on Wednesday.

The migrant crisis is again expected to top the agenda alongside the challenges Europe is facing after Britain's decision to leave the EU.

Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev awarded the ambassadors of Italy and Morocco with orders as the two are preparing to leave the country, their appointments having ended.

"With respect to Brexit, everyone was surprised, including our British friends. We are obliged to give them a chance to consider their position. It is not clear exactly what the British government wants," said at a press conference Bulgarian President Plevneliev.