"The barriers that divide Europe are a ballast that weighs down its journey". This was stated by the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, speaking in Turin at the Italian German High Level Dialogue. The Head of State's reference is to the 250-metre barrier that Austria is building at the Brenner Pass, along the border with Italy, to prevent the passage of migrants.
“I am pleased – he added – that yesterday the representative of the European Commission pronounced clear words on what is happening at the Brenner Pass. Going back from Schengen would be an act of self-harm, for everyone. Walls and barriers will not be enough to protect us if Europe does not make progress as a common project”.
“We've worked for seventy years to tear down the walls that divided Europe – continued Mattarella – let's not let them be reborn, creating distrust and tensions where, on the contrary, cohesion and trust are needed. It is not possible to leave the thousands of men and women fleeing war, violence and devastation without answers and who are knocking on Europe's doors today”.
