Italian Premier Matteo
Renzi has said that Europe's identity will be in danger if the
Schengen border-free system collapses.
"I'm worried about the possibility that Schengen could
end," Renzi said in an interview with Bloomberg.
"The European identity is at risk without Schengen".
The system covering most of the EU is under pressure due
to the refugee crisis and the threat of Islamist terrorism.
Renzi said the problem of asylum seekers will be the key
test for the European Union in the next 12 months.
"We need an agreement with the African countries to
develop infrastructures and invest in those places," Renzi
added.
Renzi also warned that the European Union will not survive
unless it changes direction.
"If Europe does not change its vision and its strategy, it
is finished," Renzi said in the interview with Bloomberg.
The leader of the centre-left Democratic Party (PD)
reiterated his call for the EU to focus on growth and reduce
bureaucracy.
He also commented on the prospect of Britain voting to
exit the European Union in a referendum to be held before the
end of next year.
"A Brexit would be terrible for the United Kingdom but I'm
betting on (British Prime Minister) David (Cameron)," Renzi
said.
Cameron has said he will campaign for Britain to stay in
the union if he gets an agreement on a reforms and changes to
the UK's relationship with the EU.
"We cannot afford to not reach an agreement at the
February 18-19 summit, which could cause the UK to leave the
EU," Renzi said.
"The proposed changes are a good compromise".
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