Meloni: EU faces difficult tasks at a complex time

Ahead of the EU Leaders Summit on March 23-24 in Brussels, Meloni delivered a speech to the upper house of parliament, the Senate, on the issues on the summit’s agenda and the Italian government’s approach to these. topics.

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 is called upon to carry out perhaps the most difficult tasks in recent years. These; Guarantee the security of the continent in the face of the threat posed by Russian aggression in Ukraine, protect the economic fabric and be prepared for the radical changes that may arise in global balances. The EU is called upon to provide them with timely, effective and strategic responses”. he said.

Expressing that they do not want to shed tears for more innocent people in the Mediterranean, Meloni said that the increased influx of irregular migrants also harms those who are entitled to international protection or those who come with quotas.

Recalling the migrant boat disaster in Cutro, in the south of the country, on February 26, 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 expect more on this topic. We cannot desperately wait for the next accident on these trips organized by unscrupulous traffickers. Italy’s maritime borders are also the external borders of the EU. It is about the security of the entire continent.” he used his statements.

“Hypothetically, before any right to immigration, no human being should be forced to migrate with the promise of a better life,” Meloni said. This is exactly what Europe and the West have blatantly neglected in recent years. saying.

Recalling 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 hard against human trafficking. These; It could be stopping the movement of migrant boats, cooperating with countries of origin, increasing returns, allocating appropriate resources for these purposes. These are our priorities that we will present to the EU leaders. It is necessary to strengthen cooperation with the countries of origin and transit with adequate resources. I now believe that incursions from the Mediterranean should be given equal importance.” he made the comment of him.

CONFERENCE ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF UKRAINE

Reiterating his support for Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine War, Meloni noted that it is essential to maintain 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.” saying.

Prime Minister Meloni pointed out that the negotiating path towards a just peace has not yet matured, but they are stubbornly following it.

Referring to the extension of the Black Sea Grain Corridor deal in his speech, Meloni said: “We support this because the Russian aggression has also had repercussions for food security.” saying.

“THE PERIOD OF TIGHTENING THE BELT IS OVER”

Regarding the economic policies implemented in the EU, Meloni said: “We must have new targets related to the budget in 2023. We need more balance between stability and growth. In the past, too much attention was paid to stability, now we need to pay more attention to growth. The era of austerity is over.” he said.

Expressing 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 from cars and suggestions like making buildings more efficient. . They run the risk of exposing us to new strategic dependencies.” she made the assessment of him.

Meloni affirmed that as a government they also assume the responsibility of increasing the allocations for military expenses to defend their national interests. (AA)