«We must deregulate all sectors,» Merz stated the day before.
However, they still have differences with France. Merz and Meloni lead a faction of the bloc that promotes deregulation, the reactivation of the transatlantic relationship with Washington, and the signing of trade agreements, such as the recent treaty with the South American countries of Mercosur.
The French president, Emmanuel Macron, maintains that EU states should buy exclusively from European producers, while Merz and Meloni defend that purchases can be made from both foreign and European companies.
Buenos Aires, Feb. 12 (NA)— The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, assured this Thursday that the «relaunch» of bilateral relations with Germany is not exclusive or «something that is done against anyone,» in reference to a possible intention to isolate France in European negotiations.
«Undoubtedly, at this stage there is a relaunch in relations and the capacity that Italy and Germany are having to coordinate their positions,» stated Meloni upon her arrival at the informal summit at the Belgian castle of Alden Biesen, where EU leaders are today addressing economic competitiveness.
The Italian head of government insisted that this rapprochement is not something that «excluding someone else,» in response to media questions.
In this sense, she recalled that France participates in the round table on competitiveness promoted by Italy and that it is «an important country to discuss these issues».
«Convergence» with Merz «on many topics»
Giorgia Meloni highlighted an «Italian-German engine» and spoke of a «convergence» with the German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, «on many topics» that strengthens bilateral cooperation: «The Chancellor's role has been very positive, and I am very grateful to Friedrich (Merz) because we are doing a good job together,» she concluded.
In the dispute over Europe's future, there are clear dividing lines.
Their main disagreement revolves around how much of the EU's defense spending should be reserved for purchases from European arms companies.
