EU President praises Italy, its minister

Brussels Jan 9 (IANS/AKI) European Union President Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday lauded the role played by Italy in the migration crisis and the bloc s stability pact heaping praise on its Economy Minister Carlo Padoan.

"Italy has been extremely useful to the EU in respect of migration policy and the stability pact " Juncker told a Brussels conference on the EU s 2021-2027 budget which Paduan also attended.

"I pay special tribute to Italy s economy minister Mr Padoan who has been extremely cooperative " he added.

The EU made available 17 billion euros in 2016 and 2017 from its current budget to help member states like Italy - which have an external border - meet their migration policy obligations said Juncker.

--IANS/AKI
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