Both leaders have stressed that irregular migration needs to be stopped as it challenges the future of Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni visit the port where migrants arrive, on the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, Italy, September 17, 2023. / Photo: Reuters
Television images on Sunday showed Meloni speaking to islanders expressing their frustrations; she told them the government was working on a robust response, including $53.4 million to help the island. An unidentified person in the crowd said it wasn't just money that they needed. It is"the future that Europe wants for itself that is at stake here, because the future of Europe depends on Europe's capacity to face major challenges," Meloni said.
"Irregular immigration is a European challenge that needs a European response," von der Leyen said, calling on other members of the bloc to take in some of the migrants.
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