Italian and Czech leaders meet in Prague

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held talks with Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Prague. Discussions focused on pressing European Union issues, including the bloc's competitiveness, its next multiannual budget, European security, and reform of the industrial emissions trading system, ETS 1. A joint action plan was established to strengthen cooperation between Italy and Czechia until 2030. The plan outlines collaboration in economic cooperation, economic security, defense, migration, scientific research, and education. Prime Minister Babiš emphasized the agreement's importance, calling it a major milestone and a framework for future cooperation. Prime Minister Meloni noted closer ties, with complementary production systems increasing trade and convergence on key European issues. They explored strategies to curb energy prices and discussed a Czech-Italian cultural year. They underscored a shared commitment to boosting Europe's competitiveness. They stressed the emissions quota system must not jeopardize Europe's standing in global markets. They affirmed sufficient funding for the Common Agricultural Policy and cohesion policy within the EU budget. The meeting follows an earlier encounter in Rome where they agreed to prepare the cooperation plan. Their continued engagement highlights efforts to deepen bilateral relations and coordinate strategies on European and international matters. Discussions also touched upon resolving EU border crises like Ukraine and Middle East, and more effective migration return policies.