6:18 p.m
Scholz: “Parliament decided on NGOs, not me”
Chancellor Olaf Scholz says he had no direct influence on Germany’s decision to publicly fund NGOs rescuing migrants at sea in the Mediterranean, stressing that the money was approved by the Bundestag and not the federal government. “I did not submit the request,” he said at a press conference after the summit in Granada. “That’s my opinion that I didn’t apply. And I think that’s clear,” he replied when asked about his personal opinion.
5:42 p.m
From 27 Yes to the Granada Declaration
According to the European sources, the Granada Declaration was adopted unanimously in all parts, except that related to migrants, where, due to the veto of Poland and Hungary, it was replaced by a separate declaration by the President of the EU Council Charles Michel.
5:41 p.m
Meloni: The first goal is to combat human trafficking networks
The first aim is to combat smuggling networks. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this at the end of the EU summit in Granada.
5:40 p.m
Melonen: I understand the position of Poland and Hungary
The perception of the migration pact between Italy, Poland and Hungary is “different due to a mainly geographical question”. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said this in Granada, commenting on Warsaw and Budapest’s no to the migration chapter of the final declaration. “We voted for the pact because the new rules are better than the previous ones, but I have not raised this priority, it is the debate about an old point of view, our position differs from that of Poland and Hungary due to a geographical issue.” They understand the Italian position, I fully understand their position and it does not affect our work,” he added.
2:58 p.m
Meloni-Scholz: Satisfied with the agreement on migrants
The Prime Minister’s meeting ended after about 45 minutes Giorgia Meloni and the Chancellor Olaf Scholz. As Palazzo Chigi announced, the two heads of government discussed the most important European issues at the heart of the Council, particularly with regard to the migration issue, and expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached in Brussels on crisis regulation. The two heads of state and government emphasized the excellent level of cooperation between Rome and Berlin and agreed to meet at the Italian-German government summit to be held in Germany at the end of November.
2:56 p.m
Orban: “Poland and Hungary were legally raped by the EU”
Poland and Hungary were “legally raped” by the EU: this is the provocation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, regarding the EU migration pact that Budapest and Warsaw should have digested, according to the Hungarian Prime Minister. “If you are legally raped and forced to accept something you don’t like, how are you going to find a compromise? “That is impossible,” said Orban, ruling out any possibility of an agreement “not only now, but also in the coming years.”
2:55 p.m
Borrell: “Yes to naval operations, consent from Tunis required”
“We need to think about controlling external borders not only in the Mediterranean but also in the Sahel.” It is a difficult task, but I am ready to consider this option. People are fleeing because they have or need to have more opportunities, and the EU must have a common position on this issue,” said the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy Josep Borrell Supporting the hypothesis of “using our Common Security and Defense Policy missions, such as those at sea or on land, to combat human traffickers.” But to achieve this – he specified – Tunisia’s consent is required.”
“The Irini mission was designed for Libya, but now if we need to move to another territory, we can do that, but we definitely need the consent of this country,” explained Borrell, also opening up the possibility of sending EU personnel there to the southern borders of North African countries for advisory work for local authorities