Germany, France, Italy trio meet to discuss 'post-Brexit' solutions

(Baonghean.vn) - Prime Minister of ItalyMatteo Renziwith two counterparts, the Prime MinisterGerman Angela Merkel and French President Francois HollandeToday (August 22) held a 3-party meeting to discussthe future of Europe,after Britain's decision to leave the EUEurope, also known as Brexit.

What to do to develop the European Union after Brexit was one of the main topics of the trilateral meeting between Germany, France and Italy held on August 22. Photo: European Pressphoto Agency

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande attended a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on an island off Naples, ahead of the EU summit in September.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the consequences of “Brexit” and how to shape the future of Europe in the coming time.

“We will discuss how to restart Europe after the unprecedented Brexit, which is an urgent need,” Prime Minister Renzi said.

The three leaders currently have different views on how to boost economic growth in the European Union (EU). All three also share different views on the expansion of the union.

While German Chancellor Angela Merkel is likely to pursue a “conservationist” policy of strengthening ties among the existing 27 members, Italy is keen on expanding the bloc.

However, according to a European Union diplomat: "The EU's immediate goal is to maintain what it has and prevent the disintegration of the 27-member bloc."

The European Union is now facing the threat of another referendum in the Netherlands, which could very well lead to similar events in many other countries.

On the growth front, Germany remains opposed to any attempt to counter measures to curb existing deficits and public debt, while France and Italy, which are struggling to achieve growth figures, are calling for expansionary measures and a reduction in austerity.

Other topics to be discussed include the European Union's current immigration policy, which is currently facing opposition from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is calling for a referendum on whether to accept any quotas for member states to tackle the EU's future migration crisis.

The three leaders will also discuss naval operations in the Mediterranean, aimed at tackling human trafficking and migration, helping enforce the arms embargo on Libya and training Libyan coast guard personnel.

Khang Duy

(According to Sputnik)