Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Prime Minister Viktor Orban met today in Budapest to discuss the main European and international issues and the excellent bilateral relations between Rome and Budapest.
Commenting on the outcomes of the Budapest Demographic Forum, they reiterated the importance of the value of the family also in view of the demographic challenge facing Europe.
On Ukraine, the two Prime Ministers condemned Russian aggression and called for a just peace. They recalled the support they have provided to Kiev so far and underlined the importance of maintaining the strong unity of EU member states in a wide and multidimensional support of Ukraine.
On migration issues, they reiterated the need to act quickly and with determination. Migration is a common challenge for the European Union that needs a collective response. They reiterated the need to focus on the external dimension to prevent departures, especially through a decisive political and economic support to countries of origin and transit of migrants, a greater commitment in fighting against the human trafficking networks and an effective return policy for those who have no right to remain in Europe. Conditionality mechanisms should be also implemented to ensure the cooperation of the countries of origin.
The two Prime Ministers committed to close cooperation between their respective Governments in view of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2024.