What is happening
Meloni said Schengen can be preserved only if the EU’s external borders are defended and all member states contribute to combating people smugglers and mass irregular migration. She and De Wever also agreed that the next European Council should address energy costs and competitiveness with greater courage and concreteness. Meloni said cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy should remain conditions for strengthening European competitiveness.
Why is it on the Radar?
The statements link the future of the Schengen area to EU external-border protection and member-state cooperation on migration. They also set out positions ahead of discussions on energy costs, competitiveness and the EU’s next multiannual financial framework.