The President of the Republic after the meeting with the President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest
June 19, 2024
The president of the Republic Sergio Mattarella is on a state visit to Romania. After the meeting with President Klaus Iohannis in Bucharest, Mattarella spoke about the need to expand the borders of the European Union: “We believe the enlargement of the EU with the entry of the candidate countries is essential, making the process as quick as possible, for Moldova, Ukraine and the countries of the Western Balkans. We feel the urgency.”
EU, Mattarella: “I’m not talking about speed of formation of bodies but about decision-making capacity”
“I would like to avoid confusing different plans: I spoke about speed, referring to the need for the EU to be able to address problems, from the climate to health, from the economy to defence, in a fast way, by giving itself fast mechanisms, I spoke about decision-making capacity I didn’t talk about speed in the formation of the Union’s bodiesit’s a different thing,” clarified Mattarella.
Ukraine, Mattarella: “We hope for glimmers of Russia”
“We talked about the conference that took place in Switzerland to take a first step, naturally as planned, to start peace negotiations, hoping that it will be possible to have Russia’s availability, some glimmers of opportunity for this negotiationfor a just peace that reaffirms the rules of international law”, added Mattarella.
EU, Mattarella: “Founded on insurmountable values, democracy and the rule of law”
“It must be remembered that there is an inalienable character of the EU, born from a pact of peace and democracy and as a consequence of this choice which put an end to conflicts and gave life to 70 years of peace, and in the name of certain values , democracy, the rule of law, respect for the dignity of the person, social cohesion and peace. These are the principles and everyone who is part of them must have them as insurmountable reference elements“, Mattarella also underlined.
EU, Mattarella: “For cohesion summits, avoid fractures”
“In Italy this matter belongs to the government, what I can say is that the Union has important decisions to makeon international politics, on economic defense, social life, work, the condition of citizens, I hope that the solution that gives life to the leaders expresses and guarantees and promotes serenity in relationships, avoiding fractures and rivalries that would make it difficult to address the problems relevant that there are, therefore a condition that guarantees broad convergence and cohesion on the choices”, said Mattarella.
Chaos Chamber, Mattarella: “Unseemly scene, this is not parliamentary behaviour”
What happened in the Chamber with the brawl during the examination of the bill on differentiated autonomy is “an unseemly scene which everyone has condemned, I hope it serves as a lesson and makes those who activated it understand that this is not parliamentary behaviour. The tradition of our Parliament is so noble that this episode cannot have any kind of influence”, warned Mattarella.
European elections, Mattarella: “I am impartial and do not comment on the vote, it must be respected”
“Me usually I don’t comment on election results. In Italy my role is one of absolute impartiality and then democratic conscience dictates that we always respect the vote”, commented Mattarella.
Ukraine, Mattarella: “Full support, Kiev goes from defense to EU security”
“We reiterated ours full support for Ukraine. We believe that the EU must equip itself with a common defense to provide a deterrent response to Russia’s aggression, to jointly defend the independence and sovereignty of Ukraine, according to international law. Because the security of the whole of Europe depends on Ukraine’s support and resistance”, Mattarella also added.
