Meloni meets Scholz: “The EU needs new rules on the stability pact”. And on migrants: “Pay attention to the most exposed countries”

“We want to strengthen and intensify the bilateral dialogue also thanks to the Italy-Germany Action Plan on which we have substantially reached an agreement and which we would like to adopt at the next intergovernmental summit to be held in Germany by the end of the year”. Thus the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the course of joint statements with the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the end of the meeting at Palazzo Chigi, «a meeting that follows my visit to Berlin by only 4 months – he recalled – as proof of a dynamic particularly intense relationship between our governments and between Italy and Germany».

“The industrial agreement between Ita and Lufthansa”, added the premier, is a “testimony of how much the national interests” of Italy and Germany “can converge also on a strategic level”. The unity of purpose seems total: “On the stability and growth pact we agree that the old rules” are “outdated”. For Meloni “New rules must be sought” to support growth.

Then there is the issue of immigration: “We hope we can find ourselves halfway to defending the interests of all nations,” he said. “We are working to find solutions” and “find a point of agreement: I am convinced that reaching a solution is a priority but I also think it is important to pay attention to the claims of the countries that are most under pressure”. The Tunisian crisis cannot be overlooked: «We discussed with Chancellor Scholz the need for an agreement on IMF financing for Tunisia. We have a common vision. For us, the stabilization of Tunisia is a priority”. And then: «Both sides need to be open» to dialogue «to reach an agreement to secure Tunisia. Sunday’s trip can facilitate and play a» primary role, «Von der Leyen’s presence is very important. We are going to Tunisia with preparatory proposals to close an agreement between Tunisia and the IMF. I trust that a solution to this problem can be found.”

Scholz: “Rome a reliable partner”
«Italy is an important and reliable partner. There are excellent relationships. We work together very well.” These are the words of the German chancellor Olaf Scholz, who recalled how Germany and Italy work together “in the European Union, in NATO, in the G7 and in the G20”, underlining that the two countries “will intensify cooperation” and that, after further talks “We will be able to sign the action plan that we have agreed.”

The chancellor’s thoughts also turn to the recent disasters caused by bad weather: “My solidarity goes to all the people affected” by the flood that hit Emilia Romagna, Tuscany and the Marches, “especially to the families of the victims”. Recalling that «two years ago, Germany had a similarly painful experience when heavy rains created dead and wounded in the Ahr valley. We can well understand how those affected feel in this situation. We know how long it will take to overcome the damage and rebuild the region. In this difficult moment, Germany is closely close to Italy».