ROME (CHATNEWSTV) – The foreign ministers of Italy and Germany pledged Thursday to deepen bilateral cooperation across security, trade, migration, and foreign policy, reaffirming their commitment to a “strong and sovereign Europe” capable of responding to global challenges.
“In current times, a strong, strategic partnership has gained even more importance,” the ministers said in a joint declaration following talks in Rome. “Our partnership is beneficial to the common goal of a strong and competitive Europe.”
As founding members of the European Union, both countries stressed the need for closer alignment within the bloc on strategic issues, particularly European defence and competitiveness. The ministers called for reinforcing the European pillar of NATO while overcoming obstacles to industrial and strategic cooperation with allies.
“We underline the importance of a closer cooperation in the field of European security and defence,” the statement read, citing growing hybrid threats and cyber risks. “We commit to coordinate our respective positions in ongoing discussions at the EU level and explore the possibility of joint initiatives.”
The declaration also emphasized economic priorities, with both nations supporting a more business-friendly regulatory framework and an “open and ambitious EU trade policy.”
“This must include widening the network of EU trade agreements, strengthening the transatlantic bond, and bolstering the rules-based multilateral trading system,” they said.
On migration, the ministers reaffirmed support for the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum and urged deeper cooperation with African partners to curb irregular migration and combat smugglers.
“We must ensure the full application of the pact,” they stated, adding that they would “explore innovative solutions” to reduce irregular migration while adhering to international law.
Italy and Germany also stressed the importance of EU enlargement and internal reform, calling it “a strategic priority.”
“Enlargement and internal EU reform must go hand in hand,” the ministers said, “to ensure the Union’s capacity to act in the face of a new geopolitical reality.”
Internationally, the two nations reaffirmed their support for the United Nations and condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine.
“Our coordinated efforts should be directed at restoring peace and security in Europe and the Middle East,” they said, aligning their stance with a broader joint declaration issued earlier in the day by six other European powers and the EU High Representative.
The ministers also highlighted the importance of transatlantic ties, calling the relationship with the United States “pivotal to the prosperity, security and progress of the Western community.”
Looking ahead, Italy and Germany committed to continuing their “2+2” consultations between foreign and defence ministries and to holding regular strategic dialogues.
“Regular consultations should continue between our Ministries and respective Embassies,” the declaration concluded, “to elaborate concrete proposals for the advancement of the objectives set above.”
