As Giorgia Meloni puts it, "we will need special attention". And Ursula Von der Leyen responds, "Europe is with you" and lauds "the great solidarity" demonstrated by the nine countries that have activated the European Civil Protection mechanism. The Italian prime minister accompanied the president of the European Commission on a helicopter overflight over the flooded areas of Emilia-Romagna yesterday afternoon, an experience that must have convinced Von der Leyen of the gravity of the situation, as she stated at a press conference: "It breaks my heart to see these deep scars, entire territories under water: it was very useful to realize the extent of the devastation and the problems that will have to be addressed." And, inspired by Meloni's statement that "the Union's support can be very important: once an overall estimate of the damage has been made, we will apply for the activation of the solidarity fund, to which unfortunately Italy has already had to access other times," she responds: "I am here to send a very clear message: Europe is with you. I'm also struck by the hundreds of 'mud angels'”, this the name given to the people who are contributing as they can to help the affected region. (Photo by Governo.it)
|