“In the end, being part of EDF in Europe would be a very positive thing,” said the Milan based executive, adding that political issues are at present blocking such a move. “It is a very complicated situation. Politically it does not look good, like we’re losing out to the French.”

At present, EDF is barred from holding more than 2% voting rights in Edison’s parent company Italenergia, a law introduced by the Italian government to prevent the French giant from moving into Italian energy