THE President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, visited his university today Palermocapital of Sicily, accompanied by the Italian president of the republic, Sergio Mattarella.

“Precisely at the most difficult moment, we often find within ourselves the strength we need. This is exactly what is happening in the European Unionvon der Leyen said.

“The tests of the last three years are probably the most difficult that Europe has ever faced. First with the pandemic and its economic effects, and then with the war and the large increase in the cost of living. These crises, however, taught us something: we understood that our fate and our lives are closely connected with each other”added the President of the Commission.

With reference to in immigration and refugee affairs, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that “Europe must fight traffickers, be in constant dialogue with partners and develop cooperation for the repatriation of those who do not have the right to remain in the countries of the Union.”

“Europe must extend its solidarity to all member countries and local communities. In this spirit, we proposed the new Pact on Migration and Asylum. Each of us must contribute, and support each other. Now that we have a plan, we need to implement it together. A European solution is possible”, concluded the president of the European Commission.