Talks about the war in Ukraine “were left of our expectations, despite the extremely constructive attitude of the Ukrainian leadership,” said Chancellor Friedrich Mertz of Rome and announced that the European Union would be in force on Tuesday. Mr Mertz also praised Italy’s role in the EU and in particular in relation to the US and re -highlighted the need for immediate solutions to the migration, warning that “we will no longer step the brake”, but also stressing that Berlin will respect European legislation.

“President Putin was not willing to come to Turkey, and his troops continue their attacks today. That is why we will step up the pressure on Russia and on Tuesday we will put in place the 17th sanctions package, which also includes the so -called shadow fleet in the Baltic, “said Chancellor Mertz at a joint press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Mrs Meloni has a very good – and personal – relationship with President Trump, she noted: “She is influenced and is one of the important leaders in Europe, who take care to stay on the US side. We all know that we cannot replace America. “

During the press conference, Friedrich Mertz has repeatedly emphasized Italy’s important role in Europe and internationally, trying to calm down the reactions that triggered a report by Die Welt that during the negotiations of the government, the SPD -speaking of the SPD. Germany and a member of an enlarged European axis with Germany, France and Poland.

“There has never been a controversial debate on the role of Italy. In no case, to my surprise, I did not hear about it until I was preparing for this visit, that is, there was supposed resentment or even efforts to exclude Italy (…) I can say it very clearly and categorically: all the reports about it are false. We consider Italy as an important, very important partner in the European Union. Please understand that I am here today and not only talk about myself, but about the entire federal government of the Federal Republic of Germany, “the Chancellor said characteristically, stressing that” there are no Member States of A and B ‘in the EU, we all have a good interest. “

Answering a question, the Chancellor also rejected any debate on a possible mission of European troops to Ukraine in order to guard a possible truce. “We cannot predict it at all today. Therefore, the debate on sending troops to Ukraine is a debate that is now completely out of any political reality. This discussion does not exist. There is no need. There is no reason to talk about this issue right now. We are far from it. First of all, we want to silence the weapons, to stop the murders, “he added.

Referring to the migration, Friedrich Mertz stressed that irregular migration should be reduced, quickly demanded restrictive asylum rules in the EU, characteristically saying that “we will no longer step a brake when it comes to solving problems in Europe”.

The Chancellor also did not exclude the model of asylum applications outside the EU, however, noting that this is not the solution of the problem, but a positive contribution and reiterated on the one hand that solutions must also be found for secondary immigration and on the other hand that the external borders of the EU are not only responsible. Regarding the tightening of border controls imposed by his government since the first day of taking over its duties, Friedrich Mertz defended his decision by arguing that it was necessary and absolutely in line with European law. “We’re talking about it with our neighbors. Under no circumstances will decisions be made in absentia, “he assured.

The Chancellor also referred to the need to enhance the competitiveness of European industry, with measures to modernize processes and the restriction of bureaucracy and called for ratification of the agreement with the Mercosur countries and the conclusion of other corresponding trade agreements. “We want open and free trade,” he said, adding that he would tell President Trump when he visits the US soon. “We want to end and not to escalate the customs dispute,” he said.