Ukraine-Russia, Draghi: “Pretending and oppression must not be tolerated”

“The events in Ukraine lead us to reiterate that prevarications and abuses must not be tolerated”. Thus the Prime Minister Mario Draghi, closing his speech at the opening ceremony of the ‘Mediterranean frontier of peace’, promoted by the Italian Bishops’ Conference and the Municipality of Florence. “In moments of crisis we must defend even more the values ​​in which we believe and which guide us – he underlined – The coexistence, brotherhood, tolerance that we celebrate in this meeting must also take place beyond the borders of the region in which we live”. Read also Migrants “In addition to scarce job opportunities, political instability also contributes to inducing tens of thousands of people, including many young people, to emigrate not only out of opportunity, but out of necessity. A phenomenon that currently carries enormous risks for those arriving in Europe from North Africa or the Balkans. And that at the moment represents a problem for the countries of origin, which lose vital energy, and for the countries of arrival, which often struggle to integrate new arrivals, to welcome them with dignity ” Draghi said again. “The Mediterranean Sea reminds us that what happens in the Aegean also affects the Tyrrhenian Sea, what happens off the coast of Tunisia or Libya has repercussions on the coasts of Sicily. Several times in the past I have reiterated the importance of a shared, balanced and humane management of migration. Shared because, without the assumption of collective responsibility, European action can never be just and effective. to counter illegal flows, but it is necessary to take care of reception. And human, because we cannot be indifferent to the suffering of migrants “, remarked the Prime Minister. Work” When we talk about rights in the Mediterranean, we must refer above all to young people. The proportion of girls and boys under the age of 15 to the total population in the Middle East and North Africa is about double the EU average. That of over 65 is just a quarter. All young people have the legitimate aspiration to realize their full potential. However, they face a job market that often leaves them on the sidelines, “Draggi said.” The youth unemployment rate in the region is the highest in the world and in some countries exceeds 40% for girls. Taking care of the Mediterranean means first of all taking care of the new generations. Investing in school, training and creating the conditions for investments and jobs. Because the Mediterranean is truly a sea of ​​opportunities “, the premier’s words. Climate The Mediterranean” is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as drought, rising sea levels, heat waves. The cities overlook a sea that in many cases retains its ancient wonder, but is also polluted by plastics and waste. The risk of fires and their danger is increasing – I am thinking, for example, of the woods burned in August last year, from Spain to Greece, Sicily and Sardinia. A summer with unprecedented temperature peaks, in an area where the increase is expected to be higher than the global average. The climate emergency requires us to accelerate the ecological transition, in a rapid but sustainable way for citizens and businesses. In particular, we must help the weakest to bear the costs “, underlined the premier.” The ecological transition – the premier then remarked – presents great opportunities for those who have the courage to invest. The Mediterranean countries must seize them – to protect the planet and lead young people towards the professions of the future “.