At the European Political Community summit in Chisinau, the Italian Prime Minister stressed that these European countries must be “reunited” with the European family and pledged Italy’s full support. Quoting Pope John Paul II, she said Europe must “breathe with two lungs: one Western and one Eastern.”
Giorgia Meloni in Chisinau. The Italian Prime Minister arrived in the Moldovan capital on Thursday morning to participate in the summit of the European Political Community alongside other European leaders and in particular Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky – a “more than symbolic” presence, as she stressed , in a country “threatened” by the crisis. Russia would have “already been involved in a sort of domino effect if the Ukrainians had not defended themselves.”
“A real openness” towards Eastern countries This is the essence of Prime Minister Meloni’s message, as expressed in his speech and during a brief exchange with journalists earlier. The subjects are Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia and the Balkan countries – namely all countries “which are European and yet want to be in every respect”.
- She stressed that Italy supports these challenges, emphasizing that the process should not be seen as a challenge to accession to the EU but rather as a “reunification in the European family.”
- Quoting the late Pope John Paul II, Ms. Meloni said: “Europe must breathe with two lungs, one Western and one Eastern.”
Focus on safety… The Prime Minister’s efforts also extend to ongoing discussions on NATO borders, which, as she reminded, will be addressed at the next NATO summit in Vilnius in July. On this front too, Rome “is among the supporters of the open door policy.” Words in line with those of President Zelensky, who called “all countries bordering Russia to join the Atlantic Alliance”.
- The desire to expand the EU family of nations comes against a backdrop of soaring tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, partly fueled by Russia itselfwhich has deteriorated the security of the region and successful more than 30 NATO peacekeepers were injured.
…and the bigger picture. The war in Ukraine has accelerated both paths: the EU and NATO. And the crises of this era, “from the pandemic to the migratory crisis (are) the opportunity to show that Europe is not a club, that it is not only made up of rules and interests, but that it is a civilization founded on the values of freedom and equality” – which Ukraine now defends, she concluded, reiterating Italy’s unwavering support.
- “Celebrating this event here (in Chisinau) means that we believe that we need to strengthen our relations with all European countries. And do it here because of Russian aggression against Ukraine, which undermines the value of freedom. And we will defend it, and we will do it all together.