German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that immigration is a challenge that European countries can only overcome together.
German Chancellor Scholz held a joint press conference after his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Stating that Italy and Germany are two countries with close political, economic and cultural ties, Scholz stated that the governments of the two countries are determined to continue working in close cooperation.
Stating that Germany and Italy provided extensive assistance for Ukraine to defend itself, Scholz noted that the unity and determination of the European Union (EU) and transatlantic partners to support Ukraine is important.
Stating that this issue will also be on the agenda at the EU Leaders’ Summit to be held next week, Scholz pointed out that the issue of migration, which is important for Germany and Italy, will also be discussed at the summit.
Prime Minister Scholz said that efforts should be made to create a humanitarian and crisis-resistant asylum system within the scope of common values on the basis of democracy, rule of law and human rights in the EU, adding, “Migration is a challenge that we can only overcome together in Europe. ” said.
Stressing that this should be in a balance of responsibility and solidarity, Scholz said, “Those who do not have the right to stay here (in the EU) should of course return to the country they came from. We have to make agreements on this. In return, I think there should be legal ways to immigrate to the EU. Because Europe needs immigration.” he said.
Scholz, describing the plan announced by the EU Commission for the transformation of the economy as “a basis on which to talk”, “Europe should lead the green transformation.” used the phrase.
Prime Minister Scholz reiterated that companies in Europe should not be adversely affected by the Inflation Reduction Act in the USA, adding, “We do not want to be treated worse by Mexico and Canada. We all agree on this in the EU.” said.
“EUROPE HAS THE CAPACITY TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS”
Italian Prime Minister Meloni stated that this issue cannot be resolved without addressing the root causes of migration, adding, “You cannot stop this movement (migration) without addressing the root causes.” he said.
Emphasizing that Italy wants to cooperate with the countries where people migrate and use as transit and to fight poverty, Meloni said, “I think Europe has the capacity to solve such problems.” he said.
Meloni stated that the issue of migration is too important to be left in the hands of human smugglers.
Touching on the issue of supporting Ukraine, Meloni said, “The Italian government will use all means to help. Wherever our presence is needed, we are there.” used the phrase.
Meloni underlined that she wanted to go to Ukraine before February 24, the anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Reminding that a journalist used the phrase “he is allergic to Germany” in the past, Meloni said, “I don’t remember when I said that. I have read many times that I have been accused of this. All I said was that the only language I didn’t fully learn was German. That’s all I said. I learned many languages, but I could not succeed in German. But not because I’m allergic to it.” he said.
Giorgia Meloni also noted that he wants to encourage his country to become an energy supply hub for Europe.