Italy and Germany, as founding member states of the European Union, want to work together to build a strong and sovereign EU. Foreign Minister Maas and his Italian counterpart Di Maio underscored this during their meeting in Berlin today (9 November).

After the fall of the Wall, a calling to build a united and strong Europe

On the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Wall, Maas received Foreign Minister Di Maio during the latter’s first official visit to Berlin. Afterwards, both will join their European and international colleagues for the events celebrating the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

After their talks, Foreign Minister Maas emphasised that the 9th of November is not just a day of remembrance, but also a calling to build a united and strong Europe.

European solutions for the conflict in Libya and the challenges of migration

In future, both countries intend to intensify cooperation with a view to tackling a range of challenges, as well as to develop joint solutions in a European framework. Foreign Minister Maas in particular praised Italy’s support for the so-called Berlin Process that aims to facilitate a ceasefire and political negotiations in Libya.

In addition, Maas said that Germany will help Italy face up to challenges in connection with migration via the Mediterranean route, which particularly affects Italy as a littoral state. He announced that one of the priorities of the German EU Council Presidency in the second half of 2020 will be reforming the Common European Asylum System.