Prior to the EU Leaders’ Summit on March 23-24 in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave a speech to the upper house of the parliament, the Senate, on the topics on the summit agenda and the Italian government’s approach to these issues.
Expressing that Italy has many cards to play a leading role in Europe, Meloni said, “Ukraine, migration and energy issues are on the agenda of the next council, which are among the priorities of the EU. In this complex period of the international system, the EU, “These are probably the most difficult tasks of recent years. These are to guarantee the security of the continent in the face of the threat posed by Russian aggression in Ukraine, to protect the economic fabric and to be ready for radical changes that may arise in the global balances. The EU is called upon to give effective and strategic responses in a timely manner.” he said.
Expressing that they do not want to shed tears after more innocent people in the Mediterranean, Meloni said that the increase in the influx of irregular migrants also harms those who have the right to international protection or those who come with quotas.
Recalling the migrant boat disaster that took place in Cutro in the south of the country on February 26 and where at least 88 people died, Meloni said, “I wrote to the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council that we cannot wait any longer on this issue. In these trips organized by unscrupulous traffickers, “We cannot wait desperately for the accident. Italy’s maritime borders are also the EU’s external borders. It concerns the security of the whole continent.” used the phrases.
“Hypothetically, prior to any immigration right, no human should be forced to migrate on the promise of a better life. This is exactly what Europe and the West have erroneously neglected in recent years,” Meloni said. said.
Reminding that the EU signed a migration agreement with Turkey in 2016 as part of the fight against irregular migration, Meloni said, “We want to fight human smuggling strongly. These are; stopping the movement of migrant boats, cooperation with countries of origin, increasing returns, allocating appropriate resources for these purposes. “These issues are our priorities that we will put before EU leaders. It is necessary to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit with appropriate resources. I now believe that equal attention should be given to influxes from the Mediterranean.” made his comment.
CONFERENCE IN ROME ON UKRAINE RECONSTRUCTION
Reiterating their support for Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War, Meloni noted that it is essential to maintain the pressure on Moscow to ensure respect for international law.
Stating that Italy is ready to contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, Meloni said, “We are working on the reconstruction conference that we will hold in Rome on April 26.” said.
Prime Minister Meloni noted that the negotiation path towards a just peace has not yet matured, but that they are following it stubbornly.
Touching on the extension of the Black Sea Grain Corridor agreement in his speech, Meloni said, “We support this because Russian aggression has also had repercussions on food security.” said.
“THE BELT TIGHTENING PERIOD ENDED”
Regarding the economic policies implemented in the EU, Meloni said, “We must have new budgetary targets in 2023. We need more balance between stability and growth. In the past, a lot of attention was paid to stability, now we need to pay more attention to growth. The period of austerity is over. ended.” he said.
Stating that the issue of energy security is also an important topic of the EU Leaders’ Summit, Meloni said, “We are against regulations on carbon emissions of cars and proposals to make buildings more efficient. They risk exposing us to new strategic dependencies.” made its assessment.
Meloni stated that as the government, they also undertake the responsibility of increasing the appropriations for military expenditures to defend their national interests. (AA)