Migration, Western Balkans, Energy: Stocker and Meloni Emphasize Close Cooperation

After the meeting with Chancellor Christian Stocker (ÖVP) in Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave a positive assessment of the joint efforts in the fight against illegal migration. "We have taken stock of the progress Europe has made in combating irregular migration. There is great agreement between us - especially on the issue of innovative approaches to dealing with the migration problem," Meloni stated.

Agreement on Migration and Returns

"New ways must be explored to tackle an increasingly complex problem - because it can hardly be managed with the means used so far," Meloni emphasized in a joint statement with Stocker at the Palazzo Chigi, the government seat in Rome. Both countries are directly affected by the migration issue - Italy through the Mediterranean route, Austria through the Balkan route. "I thank the Chancellor for this. Italy and Austria have worked very well together so far - and will do even better in the future," said Meloni.

Stronger cooperation with the countries of origin and transit of migrants, as well as a return policy, are urgently needed, Stocker said. "Austria began deporting criminal Syrians two weeks ago. More deportations are to follow: We have found a legal way to carry this out. Italy is a close ally for us in the migration issue," Stocker said.

EU Enlargement as a Geopolitical Imperative

Meloni and the Austrian Chancellor also discussed EU enlargement. From the perspective of the Italian Prime Minister, the EU accession process of the Balkan states is nothing less than a "reunification of Europe." "This is a fundamental step - especially in this complex time we are currently experiencing. I think Europe must send concrete signals to these countries that are seriously striving to become part of our family and accelerate the integration process," she further emphasized.

Stocker sees the situation similarly. "Italy and Austria have long been driving forces striving to integrate the Balkan states into the EU more quickly. We have thus founded the group of 'Friends of the Western Balkans.' We must create realistic perspectives for these countries - not out of altruism but out of geopolitical necessity, because otherwise, there is a risk of great instability," Stocker argued.

The topic of US tariffs was also addressed. "We are in complete agreement regarding a unified and determined response from the European Union to the recent threats from Washington. Of course, we continue to rely on serious negotiations with the USA and support the European Commission in this," emphasized Stocker.

Cooperation in Economy, Energy, and South Tyrol

Meloni highlighted the good cooperation with Austria, particularly in strengthening European competitiveness. Italy and Austria have signed a joint document on the future of the automotive industry. The issue of energy security is also important. The two countries aim to work on promoting green hydrogen through the SoutH2 Corridor, the 3,300 km long corridor that is intended to reach Central Europe via Italy, Austria, and Germany.

The topic of South Tyrolean autonomy was also discussed in Rome. Stocker welcomed the fact that the autonomy reform is starting its parliamentary process in the Roman Chamber of Deputies today, Tuesday. He thanked Meloni for her personal commitment to this matter.

Stocker Proposes Vienna as Negotiation Venue

On Monday, Stocker was received by the Italian President Sergio Mattarella for a courtesy visit at the Quirinal Palace. The meeting was described as very cordial. The topic of wars in the Middle East and Ukraine was also discussed. "I proposed Vienna as a venue for negotiations for both Ukraine and the Middle East. We could contribute to de-escalating these conflicts," said Stocker.

(APA/Red)

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