Scholz Pledges Support on Asylum Policy
In advance of his visit to Rome, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledged Italy of his country’s support in accepting refugees.
According to Mr. Scholz, the increasing number of refugees coming in Italy, Greece, and other EU member states along the Mediterranean is a significant problem. He said that “we must not leave Italy and the others alone with this, but pursue an approach of solidarity and responsibility.”
Mr. Scholz also advocated for a decision on a significant overhaul of the European asylum system.
The German chancellor stated, “We need a solidarity-based distribution of accountability and competence across EU states. “We also need compliance with standards for asylum seekers in the asylum procedures and integration in EU states.”
On Thursday morning, Mr. Scholz departed for Rome in order to see Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Since the extremist far-right Brothers of Italy party leader assumed office in October, this is the chancellor’s first trip to the Italian capital.
In February, Ms. Meloni made her first trip to Berlin.
At that time, Mr. Scholz had said he also wanted to work closely with the incoming Rome government and that he would carry out the action plan for closer ties that had previously been agreed upon with the previous administration.
Ms. Meloni, an opposition politician who had harshly criticized Germany, likewise used a compromising tone.
The talks on Thursday are anticipated to center on both EU problems, such as European asylum policy, and the Russian offensive against Ukraine.
The European Union’s interior ministers are attempting to launch a significant reform of the European asylum system in Luxembourg concurrently with Mr. Scholz’s visit.
As a result, there must be a much stricter policy toward migrants who have little chance of staying, and Italy and other member states who are particularly burdened at the EU’s external frontiers must receive support.
