At a meeting between two top officials from the foreign ministries of Italy and Belgium, migration was one of the key issues discussed.
The need for joint action at the EU level to reduce the number of irregular migrants in member states to a more manageable level through burden-sharing and solidarity was stressed by Italian foreign ministry secretary general Ettore Segui and his Belgian counterpart Theodora Gentzis on Monday (January 23).
They discussed migration and other issues during a meeting at the Italian foreign ministry as part of periodic bilateral consultations between the two countries.
Segui and Gentzis also said that it is essential to strengthen shared efforts beyond the EU's borders -- including cooperations with countries of origin and transit countries for migrants and refugees.
Support for Ukrainian population to continue
The two secretaries general also reiterated their firm condemnation against Russian aggression against Ukraine, confirming the importance of coordination between the NATO and the EU to support the Ukrainian population.
Ahead of a special European Council meeting in February, the two secretary generals also discussed various issues at the center of the EU agenda: from ceilings for gas prices to a commitment to foster an EU strategic autonomy that takes advantage of opportunities in the industrial, scientific, and security fields.