The President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, recently met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss important issues facing Europe. During the meeting, Metsola emphasized the need to find shared solutions to migratory flows in Europe. She stated that no country, whether it be Malta or Italy, should be left alone in managing this challenge, as it is a European problem that requires a collective response.
Metsola expressed her support for Italy’s pick for the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto, stating that she has known him for a long time and is confident that he will do an excellent job as commissioner. She highlighted the importance of competence in such roles and praised Italy’s appointment to a vice-presidency, emphasizing the country’s founding role in the EU. Metsola emphasized the need for proactive collaboration to address the concerns of people, farmers, and industry, echoing the spirit in which the EU was originally founded.
The President of the EU Parliament also discussed the immigration and asylum pact that was voted for in Brussels last April, with the support of Italian colleagues. She emphasized that the pact contains innovative solutions to address long-standing challenges, including protecting external borders, ensuring safe and quick repatriation, and cracking down on human traffickers. Metsola stressed the importance of viewing migrants as human beings and not just numbers, emphasizing the need for a humane and comprehensive approach to immigration.
In addition to migration issues, Metsola addressed the situation in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation and denouncing the role of Iran in the region. She also highlighted the ongoing humanitarian aid efforts of the EU and emphasized the importance of learning from the past to address present and future challenges. Metsola condemned anti-Semitism, stating that those who harbor such sentiments are against Europe as a whole. She underscored the importance of unity in facing crises and urged a collaborative approach to tackle global challenges.
Overall, Metsola’s meeting with Italian Prime Minister Meloni underscored the importance of solidarity and cooperation in addressing key issues facing Europe, including migration, the Middle East crisis, and anti-Semitism. By advocating for shared solutions and proactive collaboration, Metsola highlighted the need for a united response to complex challenges that transcend national borders. Her emphasis on competence, compassion, and unity reflected the core values of the EU and the necessity of working together to build a stronger, more resilient Europe.