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20 December 2021 "This visit contributes and confirms the depth of the bond between the two countries and it is our will to collaborate to face the great European challenges. One of the first issues is the need to accelerate European integration". Prime Minister Mario Draghi said this in a press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who replied: "Hats off for the Italian commitment that we are working hard. And on the fight against the pandemic our countries have decided to speak with one voice ". Between Italy and Germany there is "a long-standing cooperation. The important thing is to make progress for Europe and our two countries are fundamental for the success of this operation. We need close cooperation between our countries and we agree to strengthen it.We need to deepen our relations and we want to restart intergovernmental consultations as soon as possible. We can do a great job. "



"A stronger and more cohesive Union is in the general interest", reiterated Draghi, referring to a common working perspective in the field of technologies with hydrogen, batteries for electric cars and environmental transition. "As Europeans we have set ourselves ambitious goals. We agreed in remembering that we must also be close to those affected by this transition because social cohesion is fundamental". Draghi then added: "We discussed the changes required for budget rules and state aid to be consistent with the EU's transition objectives". Another point: Rome and Berlin work to be as close as possible in consultations on foreign policy issues.



"We agree on the need to build a common defense, not in opposition to NATO but as a complementary force of the Alliance and there is a strong identity of views on this", said Draghi, adding: thank you Scholz for the praise on our vaccination campaign, "but we still have to work and be careful: this week in the control room we will review any measures in view of the Christmas holidays. Nothing has been decided yet. Let's wait until Wednesday or sequencing data Thursday to see "how the Omicron variant progresses.



"I believe there will be an approximation of positions. The pandemic calls all our countries to finance unprecedented and massive projects. And we will have to see how we will move: it is an easier field to tackle than others", underlined Draghi speaking of the reform of the Stability pact.



"Tomorrow - Scholz announced - I will have a conference with the presidents of the Land to approve the measures: there will be further limitations for personal contacts, we must be fully prepared when Omicron spreads rapidly in Europe. We must be ready, especially in Germany for the critical infrastructures that must be prepared for the emergency. We want to intensify vaccinations "and put limitations" also among individuals ".



And still on the subject of Covid, Draghi said: "There is still work to be done" and we must "proceed with maximum speed to the third administration".



"Italy - concluded Scholz - is a model to follow in the fight against Covid", relaunching the shared goal of a cohesive Union in protecting the health of citizens.

"There are enormous funds available to get out of this tunnel - he added - and to get out of the crisis it is necessary that all 27 countries follow an identical approach".