Italy's Giorgia Meloni and Hungary's Viktor Orban Discuss Migration and Ukraine Reconstruction Efforts

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held discussions in Rome on Wednesday. They focused on the Middle East situation, advocating for peace in Ukraine, and supporting Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. Meloni congratulated Orban on his EU Council presidency and progress in EU expansion talks with Albania, Bulgaria, and Romania.

The leaders also addressed irregular migration, emphasising cooperation with origin and transit countries to tackle root causes. They called for a legal framework to expedite returns from the EU, focusing on safe countries of origin. This aligns with the Italy-Albania agreement to process asylum requests in Albania.

Focus on Migration and Legal Framework

Meloni and Orban discussed the need for updated legal measures to manage migration effectively. They highlighted the importance of preventing irregular migration while adhering to EU and international laws. The Italy-Albania agreement aims to speed up asylum processing in new Albanian centres under Italian jurisdiction.

Challenges have arisen in implementing this deal. Italian magistrates have blocked migrant transfers to Albania, citing concerns about the safety of repatriation destinations. This has complicated efforts to streamline asylum processing as planned.

Commitment to Peace and Reconstruction

The meeting also covered support for a peaceful resolution in Ukraine and commitment to its reconstruction. Both leaders reiterated their backing for a just peace in Ukraine ahead of the recovery conference scheduled in Rome for July 2025.

The discussions underscored the importance of addressing human trafficking and smuggling. Increased cooperation with countries involved in these issues was deemed essential by both leaders during their 1 1/2-hour meeting at the Italian government's headquarters.

The conversation between Meloni and Orban reflects ongoing efforts to address complex international issues. Their dialogue highlights shared priorities such as peace in Ukraine, migration management, and regional cooperation within Europe.