Leaders of the eurozone’s largest economies met Monday to discuss the economy, migration and security.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Francois Hollande and Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi called for closer security cooperation and creating better opportunities for young people.
Analysts say the meeting was heavy with symbolism, as leaders visited the tomb of Altiero Spinelli, an Italian intellectual, seen as a founding father of European unity. They also boarded the Garibaldi, which combats traffickers of migrants across the Mediterranean. A European Union summit is due next month.
Merkel says the region needs to improve its competitiveness.
“Europe is not in a leading position in the world when it comes to competitiveness in all sectors. In the digital sector, countries outside Europe are very competitive and we need to show more ambition and be among the leaders in this field,” Merkel said.