Speaking to reporters with Germany's Merkel after meeting
Conte:
- negotiations ahead on EU package very difficult
- EU leaders need to realize urgency of virus package
- leaders decision must match EU, Franco – German proposals
meanwhile Merkel comments
- Italy showed remarkable discipline, patients with virus
- our task is to overcome pandemic with solidarity
- EU positions still far apart on recovery fund, budget
- supports qualified majority in EU recovery fund
- Italy and Germany agree on basic structure of the EU – proposed recovery fund
- I can't say if we are going to reach agreement on EU budget and recovery fund at Summit
- EU agreement must be massive response to pandemic
- No member states position endangers overall agreement
- Italian stance on recovery fund is in a hindrance
