President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola recently met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss pressing issues facing Europe, including the management of migratory flows. Metsola emphasized the need for shared solutions to address immigration challenges, highlighting that no country should be made to feel alone in facing this European-wide issue. She expressed her commitment to working with proactive forces to provide answers to people, farmers, and the industry in the spirit of the EU’s founding principles.
During the meeting, Metsola also spoke about Italy’s pick for the European Commission, Raffaele Fitto, expressing confidence in his abilities as a commissioner. She emphasized the importance of competence in the selection process and noted that giving Italy a vice-presidency is a significant step, given the country’s founding role in the EU. Metsola emphasized the need to find majorities who will build and not destroy, echoing the spirit in which the EU was established by influential figures such as De Gasperi and Spinelli.
Metsola further highlighted the significance of the immigration and asylum pact that was voted for in April in Brussels, with the support of Italian colleagues. The pact contains innovative solutions to address long-standing challenges in immigration management, including protecting external borders, ensuring swift repatriation for those who cannot be identified, and combating human traffickers. Metsola emphasized the importance of remembering the human aspect of migration, rather than reducing individuals to mere numbers.
In addition to discussing migration issues, Metsola emphasized the importance of the EU’s role in the Middle East, calling for de-escalation, denouncing Iran’s actions, advocating for the release of hostages, and providing humanitarian aid. She underscored the catastrophic situation in the Middle East and the need for Europe to learn from past lessons to address current and future challenges effectively. Metsola also condemned anti-Semitism, emphasizing that being anti-Semitic goes against European values and principles.
President Metsola’s visit to Italy and her meeting with Prime Minister Meloni underscored the importance of collaboration and shared solutions in addressing major issues facing Europe. Metsola’s commitment to working with proactive forces, supporting Italy’s nominee for the European Commission, and advocating for innovative solutions to immigration challenges reflects her dedication to building cohesion and unity within the EU. Her emphasis on finding majorities that build rather than destroy aligns with the principles on which the EU was founded, emphasizing collaboration and solidarity among member states.
