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Tajani: ‘There is a jihadist threat, and we are acting for our security. The EU sometimes gets it wrong’
🇮🇹 Italy /Elections & Politics

Tajani: ‘There is a jihadist threat, and we are acting for our security. The EU sometimes gets it wrong’

From Corriere della Sera · () Italian

Translated from Italian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani says extending checks under the Schengen framework responds to domestic security concerns, including terrorism prevention and irregular migration.
  • Tajani cites 31 rejection orders at maritime and airport borders in the past month, including eight involving Moroccan nationals, and says six people were arrested.
  • He argues that the European Union should reduce unanimity voting, strengthen its institutions and adopt more pragmatic economic and climate policies.

Antonio Tajani rejects the suggestion that Italy extended its Schengen border controls to challenge Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during an election campaign. He says the decision followed a security assessment and reflects concern about jihadist activity, terrorism and irregular migration.

“Internal security is our priority,” Tajani says. He links the extension to an assessment by the Committee for Immigration Analysis and Border Security, describing it as a temporary measure intended to prevent terrorism and counter irregular migration. He says Italy is acting within a framework of European solidarity, including with Spain.

Internal security is our priority.

— Antonio TajaniTajani explains why Italy extended its Schengen border controls.

Tajani points to 31 rejection orders issued at maritime and airport borders during the previous month. Eight involved Moroccan nationals, and six people were arrested. He rejects the idea that the figures are insignificant and says the extension is necessary, while stressing that it is not directed against any particular country.

The jihadist threat must not be underestimated.

— Antonio TajaniHe cites the security concerns behind the decision to continue the controls.

The minister also says Italy has reduced irregular immigration by more than 60 percent. Asked whether there is an immigration emergency, he refers to Ceuta, where nearly 100,000 people arrived, according to his account, and says police opened fire, with the number of people left behind unknown.

His criticism extends beyond migration policy. Tajani says some European policies on industry, agriculture and fishing have been too bureaucratic and restrictive, and tied to what he calls an ideological view of climate change. He says he does not deny climate change, but wants it addressed pragmatically while protecting Italy’s commercial and industrial base.

Forza Italia does not believe in a Europe of shackles and red tape.

— Antonio TajaniTajani criticizes what he describes as overly bureaucratic European policies.

Tajani argues that the EU should complete its capital and energy markets, banking union and tax harmonization. He also calls for stronger European leadership, including a possible merger of the Commission and Council presidencies, and for limiting unanimity voting. He acknowledges that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni opposes the idea but says he will try to persuade her.

I have never denied climate change, but it must be fought pragmatically, without fanaticism.

— Antonio TajaniHe responds to criticism of his position on European climate policy.
About this summary

Originally published by Corriere della Sera in Italian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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