Italy’s Safety Decree Mostly Targets Non-EU Immigrants – Romanian PM

Tariceanu said that at first sight, the measures decided by the Italian government are in line with officials’ statements so far.

 

"There are no measures targeting Romanians working in Italy particularly, there are measures that mostly target immigrants from non-EU countries. However, I can say these are measures that need a through assessment, and I have asked the Foreign Ministry and the Interior Ministry to take care of that, to allow us to have an official and informed point of view," Tariceanu said.

 

European Commissioner Leonard Orbansaid the European Commission’s opinion is that limiting free circulation cannot be based on public order criteria.

 

"This action is unacceptable. The European Commission will analyze the normative acts adopted by Italy and will react if there are any problems,” Orban said, adding that based on the EU Directive, expulsions may be decided only in exceptional cases and only individually.

 

Romanian foreign affairs minister Lazar Comanescu said Thursday in a press conference that the situation of Romanians abroad will be among his priorities.

 

He said he has a set of measures in this respect and more details will be made available after he personally presents them to the prime minister, in maximum seven days.

 

On the protection of Romanians abroad, the minister referred particularly to consular activity and said he is convinced this sector needs a significant change of approach and structure.

 

Comanescu also said increasing the number of consular offices is among the measures targeted, and Romania plans to open five or six such offices in Italy alone.