OUR war in Ukraine, migratory and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness were central to the talks held tonight by the Chancellor Olaf Soltz with the Prime Minister of Italy Georgia Meloniin Berlin, at a meeting that was expected with great interest because of the different views of the two sides, and also because of the criticism that the Italian Prime Minister made in Germany.

With the Italian prime minister, “we largely agree on issues of foreign and security policy, especially with regard to the Russian attack on Ukraine and how to deal with its consequences,” Mr. Soltz said, emphasizing in particular that “Italy and Germany is providing Ukraine with extensive defense support against Russian aggression and will continue to do so.” For her part, Ms Meloni, who was initially feared that she would be more sympathetic to the Russian leadership, said: “I do not agree with those who say that if you support Ukraine, you continue the war, this is not true. If we did not support Ukraine, then we would not have peace, but an invasion. Supporting Ukraine is the only way to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table.” However, when asked about this, Georgia Meloni replied that her country would not send tanks to Ukraine. “We are only where our presence is needed,” he said.

Measuring opinions in immigration

However, the difference of opinion was clear on immigration, with Mr. Scholz advocating a humanitarian refugee policy while announcing deals with countries of origin so that illegal immigrants could return to their country of origin. “Whoever has the right to stay in Europe should be able to stay. But anyone who does not have the right to stay with us must, of course, return to their country and should be able to return, ”the chancellor explained and stressed the need to have “legal immigration routes.”

Georgia Meloni, on the other hand, stressed that “the issue of migration is also a security issue” and basically stressed the importance of stopping migratory flows before they reach European borders. “You can’t fight secondary migration without dealing with primary migration,” she said characteristically, adding that her government’s goal is to create jobs and provide financial assistance to these countries, since, according to her, poverty is often the cause of migration.

Debate about the economy, and

With regard to the competitiveness of the European Union in the new international environment, the Italian Prime Minister proposed as short-term solutions the full flexibility of existing EU funds and the reform of the Stability and Growth Pact. He was in favor of taking on a common debt in the EU and for a European cap on natural gas prices, while acknowledging that opinions differ on these issues, “so it will take time.” for decision making. He once again denounced the “national policy” on energy issues, referring to the German government’s price ceiling for electricity and natural gas. “Competitiveness should be the same for everyone. And we must raise all questions at this moment. We need European answers,” he added. Asked about the differences between rich and poor EU member states in terms of economic competition, Mr Soltz stressed the need for more flexibility and less bureaucracy in financial aid. “It would be good not to wait two or three years for a decision,” he commented.

The leaders of the two countries were clearly trying to emphasize the points of contact between their policies and the importance of bilateral cooperation, despite the fact that Olaf Soltz was in no hurry to invite the Italian prime minister after her election to visit Berlin. The reason was probably Ms. Meloni’s pre-election statements hostile to Germany. In April 2019, the then opposition candidate stated that she learned Spanish and French, but was unable to learn German despite being a “nerd”. “I am allergic to Germany, even when it comes to books,” she said, and her specific statement today was remembered by the entire German press on the eve of a meeting with the chancellor. “I have no idea when I said that,” Ms. Meloni said tonight when asked about it. “I failed to learn German, but not because I have an allergy,” she limited herself to a statement in an attempt to joke.

^{Source: APE-MEB}