«EU funds, a close target. No more tafazzismo on the Pnrr. The EU has changed pace on migrants»- Corriere.it

Giorgia Meloni he comments on the outcome of the European Council and explains why the Union “has changed pace” on migrants. The minimum wage does not convince her, the ratification of the Mes can wait, the Santanchè case does not worry her and neither does the Pnrr: «Enough of tafazzismWe are very close to the goal”. And on Salvini’s proposal for a pact to unite the center-right with the Europeans, there is time to reflect.

President, Europe split over migrants, yet you came back very satisfied from Brussels. Why?

«The agreement of the entire EU Council on the so-called external dimension, which offers a completely new approach compared to the past in terms of contrasting migratory flows, is an indisputable Italian success. The choice is to fight human trafficking and tackle illegal immigration before it reaches Europe. We managed to make all our partners understand that it made no sense to continue arguing between countries of first arrival and countries of destination about who should have the responsibility of managing the phenomenon and that the only way was to work together on external borders, above all through equal cooperation with African countries”.

His is the merit of having “brought” von der Leyen and Rutte to Tunisia. But isn’t it an exaggeration to speak of a turning point, also in light of the numbers of landings?

«The dialogue with Tunisia, defined as “a model” in the Council conclusions and the Commission’s proposal to invest up to 15 billion from the new multiannual budget on immigration and the external dimension, are proof of this total change of pace. Investing in the stability of North Africa and preventing departures is a primary Italian interest and finally a European priority. On the external dimension we all agree. On the internal dimension, no. But that’s normal, because on such a divisive issue it’s hard to find rules that work for everyone. I hope there is room to bring the positions closer together».

Why did the mediation with Morawiecki and Orbán fail, on which you too worked at Michel’s request?

«Above all Poland, but also Hungary, have welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees, receiving less than necessary contributions from the EU. On the other hand, according to the agreement of 8 June, they would be required to pay 20,000 euros for each non-relocated migrant, including irregular ones. All of this, aggravated by the blocking of appropriations for their national Pnrr. Their rigidity is understandable and I always have great respect for those who defend their national interests. It can be overcome by rebuilding a relationship of trust and in this sense I try to give my contribution».

Does the lack of agreement lead to the paralysis of the EU and put the Luxembourg pact on migration at risk?

«No, the Migration and Asylum Pact is going ahead. But let me clarify, selling this deal as an effective solution is wrong. It can help Italy to a relative extent, also because the cardinal Dublin principle of the state of first port has not been overcome and the burden on nations like Italy is still too high. The Pact deals with managing arrivals when they happen, my priority instead is to stop the illegal flows before they leave and to stop the trafficking of human beings”.

Does the veto of the sovereignists of the East complicate the negotiations for the alliance between the conservatives you lead and the EPP? And has the axis of Visegrad been broken or strengthened?

«I think it is a mistake to overlap the issues of the EU Council with the relationships within the individual political families, which are unlikely to be compromised. In the Council each one represents the interests of his own nation, it happens that they do not correspond and everyone is right to defend his interests. The position of Poland and Hungary on the Migration Pact does not change anything in our relations and as Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki said “we agree that we do not agree on this marginal issue”. Translated, it means “it is normal for everyone to do their own interest”».

You want to change EU policies. Could the way be a pact for a center-right that cuts out the socialists?

“There are no negotiations in progress. Certainly there is a growing awareness that the unnatural agreement between the People’s Party and the Socialists is no longer adequate for the challenges Europe is facing. Between now and June 9, 2024 there will be important national elections. In Spain, where votes are held in July, a centre-right government with popular and conservatives is possible, after centre-right governments have established themselves in Italy, Sweden and Finland. Meanwhile, in Brussels on individual measures broader alliances are being created as alternatives to the left. It’s a stimulating phase, the conservatives and Italy can play a central role».

What does guerrilla warfare in France, triggered by the police killing of a boy, teach?

«I want to express my closeness and solidarity with the French people for the unacceptable violence of these days. The images arriving from France on the one hand risk making the issue even more critical, on the other I hope they will raise awareness of what is at stake. Only managed and regular immigration can generate integration. The alternative is the separation and radicalization of the third and fourth generations”.

What advantages will flexibility on EU funds bring?

«Faced with the global challenge between the US and China, which have injected enormous liquidity into their economies, the EU cannot compete unless it leaves its states greater flexibility in the use of available resources. It has been an Italian request since the first Council I attended and I am satisfied that this message has been received by the whole EU”.

The Commission has not released the third tranche of the Pnrr and the terms of the 27 objectives have expired for the fourth. Are you really “optimistic”?

«Absolutely yes, especially if we stop scaremongering on a strategic issue for the whole nation and which, in the best tradition of the Tafazzis of Italy, is exploited to attack the government. We are busy responding to the latest requests for clarification from the Commission and I remind you that we are working on a plan written by others”.

Does that mean that the governments of Conte and Draghi could have worked better?

«Without controversy, I can’t help but note that if the painstaking work we are doing now, without any tension with the Commission, had been done upstream when the projects were presented, we could have saved a lot of time. Not bad, we are still very close to the goal. And we are working tirelessly on the remodeling of the Plan and on the presentation of the Repower EU, to spend all the resources favoring strategic projects».

What will become of the Mes, after you have postponed the vote for 4 months? Will you proceed with the ratification of the treaty in the autumn?

«I believe it is contrary to the national interest to speed up the ratification of the ESM reform treaty while the government is engaged in the decisive negotiations for the modification of the Stability Pact and the completion of the banking union. If we have presented a suspensive question to the opposition’s request for immediate ratification, it is because these instruments must be seen together. Whoever asks for ratification today is not doing the Italian interest».

Elly Schlein accuses her of isolating Italy in Europe and of tying herself to “wrong friends”.

«On the “wrong friendships” at the international level allow me not to rage on those who are still reticent today in condemning regimes such as those of Cuba and Venezuela. Anyone who is in good faith can see how central and respected Italy is today in international forums. With all due respect to the cassandras, who hoped for isolation ».

Santanché is preparing to respond to the Report’s accusations raised by the opposition. She is worried?

“No, I’m not worried. Daniela Santanché is working very well and the results prove it. You have decided to report to the Chamber to better explain your position. A choice of transparency and seriousness that was not taken for granted and demonstrates her good faith ».

The left is pressing the minimum wage. You will be at Assolombarda today and Confindustria does not close…

«Let me tell you that employment is recording record numbers, also thanks to the measures we have adopted. Of course, the condition of workers, especially young people who receive not decent wages, not only worries us, but has already prompted us to intervene on the tax wedge and to encourage companies that hire under 36s and “neets”».

So you remain against the minimum wage by law?


«I’m not convinced that the minimum wage can be reached by law and the government’s approach goes in the direction of encouraging increasingly virtuous collective bargaining, investing in corporate welfare, acting on tax and social security benefits, stimulating contract renewals. The table with the social partners is always open and we deal with everyone, without exclusions”.

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