Merz in Rome: Italy as a key partner in EU politics!

Merz in Rome: Italy as a key partner in EU politics!

Chancellor Friedrich Merz met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome today. The focus of the conversation was closer cooperation between Italy and Germany and Italy's role in European efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Merz advocated including Italy in these processes as an “indispensable strategic partner”. However, Merz left the details of what this integration should look like in concrete terms open, while he noted a “large agreement” with Meloni on European policy issues. TRT reports that Merz wants to hold talks with other European partners in the coming days.

During the meeting, both politicians also underlined the need to expand cooperation to combat irregular migration in the EU. Merz believes that the possibility of asylum procedures in third countries is still an option, even if the Italian justice system has already stopped such plans. Meloni explained that the Italian government intends to carry out asylum procedures in Albania for migrants apprehended in the Mediterranean, but this is legally controversial. The European Court of Justice is currently examining the compatibility of this approach with European law.

Migration and unity of the EU

Regarding migration, Merz and Meloni emphasized the shared responsibility to protect the EU's external borders and control the flow of refugees. Both leaders agree that “personal sensitivities” must be abandoned in order to preserve the unity of the West. This comes in the context of irritation caused by Meloni's absence during a visit of heads of state and government to Kiev, where President Macron had apparently exerted pressure. daily news emphasizes that Merz sees Meloni's relationship with US President Donald Trump as positive and wants to strengthen economic cooperation between Germany and Italy.

The two politicians also agreed to hold German-Italian government consultations again next year, which is a sign of the desired deepening of cooperation. Merz also noted that Italy needs to be more involved in Ukraine policy after Meloni was not invited to the recent visit to Ukraine.

Political unity and strategic partnership

The discussion about the possibility of Commerzbank being taken over by Unicredit was not discussed during the discussions. However, Merz and Meloni agree that the EU should not over-regulate itself and must focus on key challenges. Merz also plans to get in touch with other European partners in order to represent a uniform European line.

Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil, President of the Bundestag Julia Klöckner and President of the Federal Council Anke Rehlinger also took part in Merz's visit. The visit also coincides with the preparation for the inauguration of the new Pope Leo XIV in Rome, which further contextualizes the diplomatic discussions.