Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orbán pledge to support Ukraine's reconstruction amid crisis

In Rome, Italy, Giorgia Meloni, the Premier of Italy, and Viktor Orbán, the Prime Minister of Hungary, convened for an important meeting to address various pressing issues on December 4, 2024. Their discussions were concentrated on the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and equitable resolution to ongoing conflicts. They reaffirmed their mutual commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst its ongoing challenges, particularly as the country approaches the next recovery conference scheduled to take place in July 2025 in Rome. A significant aspect of their dialogue included a focus on the challenges posed by irregular migration. Both leaders recognized the necessity of enhancing cooperation with nations that serve as sources and transit points for migrants. They explained that such collaboration is crucial for addressing the root causes of irregular migration, combating human trafficking and smuggling operations effectively. During their meeting, Meloni congratulated Orbán on his rotating presidency of the EU Council, which he has undertaken for six months. This leadership role coincides with imperative discussions regarding accession talks with Albania, as well as progress related to Bulgaria and Romania’s inclusion in the Schengen Area. The leaders voiced their commitment to shaping an updated legal framework that would expedite and facilitate the repatriation of migrants from the EU, underscoring the importance of recognizing safe countries of origin. The meeting lasted one and a half hours at the headquarters of the Italian government, illustrating the urgency and significance of their collaboration on these key issues. Emphasizing new strategies for preventing irregular migration in accordance with European Union and international laws, Meloni and Orbán are determined to build on agreements like the Italy-Albania pact that aims to enhance the processing of asylum requests while providing shelter in reception centers under Italian jurisdiction in Albania. This action reflects their broader intention to establish a resilient support system for migrants while reinforcing the legal and ethical boundaries of migration policy within the EU.