Gentiloni says no to divided EU before anniversary

(ANSA) - Rome, March 24 - Premier Paolo Gentiloni on Friday called for European unity on the eve of celebrations in the Italian capital for the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaties of Rome. "We don't want a divided Europe," Gentiloni told a meeting of EU business associations. "Europe is united and indivisible, but we want to move forward on a common idea of Europe in areas such as defence, security. We need greater integration and we claim a global role for Europe". Gentiloni said it was necessary to defend and support free trade.
    "Europe is faced with new challenges, from Brexit to the rebirth of protectionism, but we have an opportunity to react," he said. "We claim a global role for Europe. This is why we need you to support free trade, growth, an agenda for innovation and a social Europe".