at the beginning of the Corona-pandemic felt a lot of Italians from Germany left in the lurch. Now, one longs for German tourists. Foreign Minister Maas in Rome a picture of the change in mood, and sustaining support.
Rome (Reuters) – a Few days before the start of the German EU-presidency, Minister Heiko Maas has the outside of the Corona-crisis particularly hard those countries that solidarity assured.
on a visit to the Italian capital, Rome, he called on Monday “a powerful economic and social reboot” as a top priority for the six-month presidency on 1. July starts. “We want a bold, but we want the departure, before all things, a solidarity. And we are determined, there is no country in Europe behind.”
Italy is the European country in which the Corona Virus had spread to the beginning of the pandemic is the most dramatic. At that time, there was sharp criticism of Germany. Especially a German export stop for breathing masks, protective suits and goggles provided for displeasure. Also, the categorical no of the Federal government for the mutualisation of debt via the so-called “Corona-Bonds” led in the meantime to Anti-Germany sentiment.
has been changed in the Meantime but, after Germany and France have made a joint push for an EU reconstruction programme, have arrived in Italy. In addition, the tourism industry hopes that after the lifting of the German travel warning for most of the European countries on German tourists. Italy is the second most popular holiday destination of the Germans is – to Spain.
Maas called on the German but to be cautious during the holidays. “Many Germans want to come this summer back to Italy,” he said. The health of the visitors should be ensured, as well as the host. Therefore, it is important to behave in a “particular responsibility” and the Anti-Corona-follow rules so that the numbers of cases, neither in Germany nor in the country to go up again.
Italy has been open since the beginning of June its borders to EU-foreigners. In Hotels and on the beach distance to apply more rules in many confined spaces, the Wearing of mouth protection is mandatory. In the case of museums, a reservation of the visit is, for example, in advance is important. There are fewer people allowed as in other places, as usually, at the same time.
Maas visited in Rome, the state’s Spallanzani Institute, which in Italy is at the forefront of research on Coronavirus and the treatment of Covid-19 patients, and the headquarters of the EU naval mission “Irini” to combat weapons smuggling to Libya. The SPD politician called for more commitment from other countries.
Currently, only one ship and two reconnaissance aircraft are involved in the “Irini”, including a German one. The use must be further stabilized, said Maas. “The member States of the European Union also need to deliver more contributions, because the violations of the arms embargo to continue, unfortunately.”
Italy’s foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio emphasized that he hoped the German presidency’s “new swing” on the question of the redistribution of migrants in other EU countries. The Coronavirus have made the refugee question more complicated. “The redistribution is on the ice,” said Di Maio. This must change now.
Ministry of foreign Affairs to Italy
