She added:
We must all transition to sustainable energy sources and adjust to the effects of climate change. It is our responsibility to prepare our workforce for the jobs of the future. We are determined to put an end to the devastating loss of life during migration and provide opportunities for our youth.
Not only our shared location, but also our dedication to creating advantages for all individuals, unites us.
We need to be more specific.
The president of the commission stated that Italy’s proposals and the European Union’s initiatives are complementary.
I am thankful to Italy for prioritizing collaboration with Africa in their foreign policy and during their G7 presidency.
The latest Mattei proposal is a valuable addition to our ongoing partnership, and it complements our European Global Gateway.
Global Gateway, as you know, is the 150 billion euro investment plan for Africa. And this is plain and simply team Europe at work.
The country of Africa is making efforts to establish a leading role in European collaboration on the continent of Africa in exchange for reducing illegal migration.
The leader of Italy held a summit in Rome, hosting senior officials from both Africa and the EU.
Meloni stated that her strategy revolved around multiple foundations, including education and training, healthcare, farming, water, and energy.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the African Union Commission, expressed that their alliance is built on freedom and agreement, with no party forcing their beliefs.
At the summit, Roberta Metsola, the president of the European parliament, stated that the connection between the two continents should be marked by a genuine and equal partnership.
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, stated that it is crucial to clearly define cooperation and that our interests are more closely aligned than ever.
Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, stated that nations are collaborating on tangible initiatives that will have a tangible impact on the lives of individuals, particularly in the areas of energy, security, and resilience.
Experts stated that Meloni’s strategy had minimal impact on the environmental concerns that were meant to be a fundamental aspect.
French farmers driving tractors have made good on a threat to blockade Paris for an indefinite period, stopping traffic on eight main motorways into the city in a row over regulations, pay and taxes.
NGOs and lawyers report a growing trend of people-smugglers enlisting individuals from former Soviet republics in central Asia to navigate boats transporting people from Turkey to Italy.
The country of Italy, according to NGOs and lawyers.
Migrants are transported by sea from Turkey to Italy, typically via sailing vessels, as a substitute for the longer land route through the Balkans. In this region, border guards in Croatia and Slovenia have been known to forcefully return asylum seekers at the EU border.
In 2023, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that 7,153 individuals arrived on the coasts of Sicily, Puglia, or Calabria from Turkish ports of İzmir, Bodrum, and Çanakkale. Each person paid more than €8,000 (£6,820).
A study published by the non-governmental organizations Arci Porco Rosso and Borderline Europe revealed that out of the 68 individuals apprehended by Italian authorities in 2023 for illegally transporting asylum seekers from Turkey, at least 18 were from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan.
Boat operators from central Asia have taken over the roles of Ukrainian and Russian captains who used to be hired by Turkish smuggling organizations that operate the route.
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The continent of Africa was named after the creator of the Italian oil company Eni. However, experts believe that she did not contribute much to addressing environmental concerns, which are supposed to be a major focus of the plan.
Giulia Giordano from thinktank Ecco noted that there was minimal discussion of climate change, though Meloni did mention a lack of water as a contributing factor to migration.
Giordano stated that Italy’s goal of becoming a hub for energy between Europe and Africa is a focal point of collaboration initiatives.
Meloni stressed the importance of guaranteeing energy security in Italy while also promoting growth in Africa. Although she did not explicitly mention oil and gas, the fact that Eni’s CEO was present among the delegates and the mention of Italy’s private sector suggest that the industry will continue to play a crucial role in the plan.
In the past two years, Europe has shifted its focus towards Africa for energy sources, reducing its reliance on Russian gas imports. The EU is promoting the use of renewable energy to produce hydrogen in countries such as Namibia and Morocco, which can then be used to fuel factories in Europe.
Meanwhile, European energy corporations eager to obtain African oil have been granted permits to drill in various parts of the continent.
Dean Bhebhe, a member of the activist organization Don’t Gas Africa, voiced criticism towards the Italy-Africa summit for neglecting the opinions of African civil society.
The Mattei plan represents Italy’s desire for fossil fuels, which could potentially reduce Africa to simply being a pathway for energy to Europe. This ambition ignores the pressing issue of the climate crisis and the opinions of African citizens.
The prime minister, Gabriel Attal, announced over the weekend his plan to “surround” Paris by causing disruption on the seven main highways leading into the city by early afternoon.
A minimum of 1,000 tractors were anticipated to participate in the blockade. They were projected to be stationed within a distance of 20-25 miles from the city center, with the goal of limiting entry and exit. This may cause interference with entry to the Charles de Gaulle-Roissy airport located north of the city, Orly airport situated in the south, and the primary fresh food market in the region at Rungis.
The officials recommended that drivers should postpone or cancel any non-essential road trips.
Farmers, particularly the country’s thousands of independent producers, say they are being strangled by EU and French bureaucracy and regulations. They claim the traditional way of rural life is facing collapse. Farmers are demanding fairer prices for produce, the continuation of subsidies on the agricultural diesel used to run their tractors and other vehicles, and financial aid for organic farmers.
Read more here.
According to a senior EU official, a report in the Financial Times referenced an EU document that outlines a strategy to target Hungary’s economic vulnerabilities, harm its currency, and decrease investor trust if the country persists in blocking aid to Ukraine. However, the official clarified that the mentioned document does not contain any specific plans regarding Hungary.
The official said:
The document mentioned in the Financial Times article is a background note created by the Secretariat of the council, outlining the current state of the Hungarian economy and written under their own responsibility.
This is a factual paper which does not reflect the status of the ongoing negotiations on MFF [Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU’s long-term budget] between Sherpas and at the level of EU leaders. The note does not outline any specific plan relating to the MFF and Ukraine Facility, nor does it outline any plan relating to Hungary.
The discussions within the MFF are currently in progress and have consistently focused on reaching a mutually agreeable solution for all 27 member states of the EU. The talks between Sherpas and EU leaders are guided by the values of communication, consultation, and finding a middle ground that benefits everyone involved.
When questioned further, the official also stated:
The document does not provide a plan, but instead offers a suggestion that does not align with the proposed course of action for negotiations.
At the Italy-Africa summit happening currently, Giorgia Meloni, the prime minister of Italy, urged for a fresh start in the partnership with the continent.
According to Reuters, she stated that it is feasible to imagine and compose a fresh chapter in our connection’s history, where Africa is treated as an equal partner rather than being subjected to exploitation or viewed as a recipient of charity.
According to the Italian leader, the initiative would receive an initial funding of over 5.5 billion euros.
Meloni discussed the topic of migration as well.
Mass immigration will never be stopped, human traffickers will never be defeated if we do not address the many causes that push a person to leave their home.
At the Italy-Africa summit, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the importance of taking concrete steps towards cooperation.
The leader of the commission stated that there is a strong and renewed partnership between Africa and Europe. This is because not only are our goals aligned, but our interests are also more aligned than ever before.
She added:
We must all transition to renewable energy and prepare for the effects of climate change. We must also educate our workforce for future job opportunities. Our goal is to prevent the devastating loss of life during migration and provide opportunities for our youth.
Our bond is not solely based on geographical proximity, but also on our shared dedication to promoting the well-being of our communities.
We must be specific.
The president of the commission stated that Italy’s proposals and the EU’s existing programs work together in a complementary manner.
I am extremely thankful to Italy for prioritizing cooperation with Africa in their foreign policy and during their G7 presidency.
The latest Mattei strategy is a valuable addition to our ongoing partnership, and it complements our European Global Gateway.
As you may be aware, Global Gateway is a 150 billion euro initiative aimed at investing in Africa. This is a clear example of Team Europe in action.
At the summit between Italy and Africa, Roberta Metsola, the president of the European Parliament, delivered a speech.
As Africa flourishes, so will Europe and the entire world. By working together, we can progress towards a better future.
She added:
We must have a genuine partnership between our continents, where we treat each other as equals and recognize our past while working towards a shared future. This is the key to prosperity and allowing all of our people to thrive and reach their full potential.
The president of the parliament emphasized the need for a genuine partnership, recognizing that “the world is evolving and we must adapt accordingly.”
Metsola stated that we are now in a time where global interdependence is crucial and cooperation is essential. She emphasized the need for us to be truthful with ourselves, acknowledging our successes and recognizing areas for improvement.
The president said:
We can achieve sustainable growth together without harming one another.
She emphasized the importance of forming partnerships to address migration in a comprehensive manner.
Source: theguardian.com
