A diplomatic row is simmering following remarks by the Italian Prime Minister at the European Parliament, during which he likened a leading German MEP to a concentration camp guard.
Silvio Berlusconi, attending the formal launch of the Italian presidency of the EU, was responding to criticism from the German socialist deputy.
The Berlin government summoned the Italian ambassador to explain the 'unacceptable' comments, while Rome called in the German ambassador for urgent talks.
Mr Berlusconi made the jibe after German Socialist deputy Martin Schulz denounced him during a stormy debate in the European Parliament in Strasbourg that marked the start of the Italian EU Presidency.
He later apologised to the German people for any offence but said he had been provoked by criticism from Mr Schulz and other parliamentarians.
