Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs Vincenzo Amendola concluded today his two-day visit to Berlin, that is part of the constant and intense dialogue between Italy and Germany on European and international issues. In view of the upcoming appointments and bilateral meetings, the talks were also an opportunity for reviewing the main issues discussed at the Government Summit held in Maranello on 31st August.During his visit, Undersecretary Amendola – accompanied by Ambassador Piero Benassi – met with the Leader of the CDU group in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, Roderick Kiesewetter; the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of European Affairs, Michael Roth; and the leader of the SPD Group in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Bundestag, Niels Annen.With Hon. Kieswetter, the Undersecretary discussed above all the issues related to migration and to the recent developments in Libya.
They also exchanged views on the future of Europe in terms of security and defence.The discussion with Hon. Annen focussed on the difficult situation in Africa, on Libya, and on the contribution of the two Countries to the “EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy (EUGS)” on the future of Europe in terms of security and defence including the “Permanent Structured Cooperation” (PESCO).At the meeting held at the Auswaertiges Amt with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Michael Roth, the discussion focused on the major issues on the European agenda, in particular the contribution that Italy and Germany can give to shaping the future of the “post-Brexit EU”. “In view of the sixtieth anniversary of the Treaties of Rome“, Undersecretary Amendola recalled, “we need to work together to define a new and more efficient model for the governance of the European Union“.
The Minister of State and Undersecretary Amendola focussed also on the migrations issue, to which both Countries are highly committed, since Germany, like Italy, is in the front line in facing this challenge. Another issue touched upon during the bilateral talks was the “Berlin Process” Summit – that Italy as presiding State will be organizing in July 2017 – and the prospects for the regional and European integration of the Western Balkans. The issue of Turkey and the Eastern Partnership was also discussed with special emphasis on the Ukraine and on the management of the crises in Libya and Syria. The future of Europe was the main focus of the meeting at the EU Affairs Committee of the Bundestag with Gunther Kirchbaum and over 30 Parliamentarians and German Members of the European Parliament.
In particular internal challenges, like the upcoming exit of the United Kingdom from the Union, and external challenges like the management and control of the huge influx of migrants. During the visit, Undersecretary Amendola also met with the representatives of the Italian Community, and representatives of the Berlin Comites, of the CGIE and of various associations of Italians abroad.