Italy – Visit to Rome by Clément Beaune (11-12 March 2021)

Clément Beaune, Minister of State for European Affairs, attached to the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, was in Rome on March 11-12.

There he met with European Affairs Minister Vincenzo Amendola, with whom he discussed the health situation and the need for Europe-wide coordination on measures to halt the epidemic as well as vaccine strategies. They also spoke about the European recovery effort designed to deal with the economic consequences of the health crisis, the Pact on Migration and Asylum, and reforming the Schengen area. Lastly, they exchanged views on the future bilateral treaty between France and Italy aimed at strengthening cooperation between our two countries.

Mr. Beaune and his counterpart visited the headquarters of the Community of Sant’Egidio, where he had an opportunity to speak with migrants and homeless people taken in by this charitable association about the crisis’s socioeconomic impact and the social aspect of European recovery.

The Minister took part in a debate on the challenges facing Europe hosted by the Istituto Affari Internazionali, an Italian think tank founded in 1965. This debate dealt with the future of Europe – its environmental goals, defense and the EU’s external relations.

Mr. Beaune also visited the Italian Chamber of Deputies where he spoke with a dozen lawmakers about major European challenges and relations between France and Italy.