“The European Union has changed pace on immigration,” says Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

The Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloniin a detailed interview with the newspaper Corriere della Serareferred to the results of the latter European Summit summit on immigration. “Investing in the stability of Africa and preventing departures is a main Italian interest and, finally, a European priority,” he commented characteristically.

In more detail, the Italian Prime Minister stated:

“The agreement of the entire European Council on the so-called External Dimension, which offers a completely different approach compared to the past when it comes to migration flows, is an undoubted Italian success. It was decided to fight human trafficking and illegal immigration before it reaches Europe. We managed to get all our partners to understand that there was no point in the various countries of first arrival and destination continuing to fight over who should be responsible for managing the whole phenomenon and that the only way was to work together on the external borders , especially with an equal cooperation with African countries”.

Referring to Tunisia, Meloni added:

“The dialogue with Tunisia, which was described as a ‘model’ in the Council’s conclusions, and the European Commission’s proposal to invest 15 billion euros in the new multi-annual budget for migration and the External Dimension, are evidence of this absolute change of pace. Investing in Africa’s stability and preventing departures is a major Italian interest and, finally, a European priority. As far as the Outer Dimension is concerned, we all agree. As far as the Interior is concerned, no. But it is natural, because in a divisive subject it is difficult to find rules that everyone accepts. I hope there will be room for the various positions to come closer together.”

Asked whether the divergence of views recorded at the last summit jeopardizes the Pact on Migrationthe head of the Italian government replied:

“No, the pact on Migration and Asylum is not stopping its course. But I would like to make it clear that it is wrong to see this agreement as an effective solution. It can help Italy only relatively, because the central principle of Dublin, which concerns the country of first arrival, has not been overcome and the obligations for countries like Italy are still too high. The Pact focuses on managing arrivals when they happen, but my priority is to stop illegal flows and crack down on people-trafficking.

Regarding the failure of her mediation attempt with Hungary and Polandat the last European summit, the Italian Prime Minister and president of the Adelphia party of Italy, said in Corriere della Sera:

“Particularly Poland, but also Hungary, welcomed millions of Ukrainian refugees and received from the EU financial support lower than what they needed. At the same time, based on the June 8 agreement, they would have to pay 20,000 euros for each immigrant, including irregulars, who have not been resettled. All this is made difficult by the freezing of the funds of the Recovery and Resilience Plans of these countries. Their lack of flexibility is understandable, and I always have great respect for anyone who defends their national interests. This phase can be overcome by building a relationship of trust again and, to achieve this goal, I try to give my contribution”.

In relation to the possible political balances in Europe after the 2024 European elections and “if, in order to change the EU, a centre-right deal can be made to exclude the socialists”, the Italian prime minister stressed:

“There are no ongoing negotiations. There is certainly a growing awareness that the unnatural agreement between the European People’s Party (EPP) and socialists is no longer adequate to address the challenges facing Europe. Important national elections will take place between now and June 9, 2024. In Spain, where citizens will vote in July, a center-right government may be formed, with conservatives and members of the People’s Party. Already in Italy, Sweden and Finland, center-right governments prevailed. Meanwhile, in Brussels, as far as individual measures are concerned, broad alliances are being created, which are an alternative to the left. This is a creative phase, the conservatives and Italy can play a central role.”

With reference, finally, to the developments in France, the Georgia Meloni stated to Corriere della Sera:

“I want to express my solidarity and closeness to the French people for the unacceptable violence of the last few days. The images arriving from France, on the one hand, risk making the situation even more critical, on the other hand, I hope they will raise awareness of what is at stake. Only a legal immigration, a phenomenon that we can manage, creates social inclusion. The alternative is the isolation and radicalization of the third and fourth generations.”