Prior to her Monday meetings with Italian political leaders, von der Leyen was a guest on national TV, where she spoke about the need to defend Ukraine against Russia's aggression to preserve peace in Europe.
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00:00 EU Commission President von der Leyen is in Rome and the timing of her visit is crucial
00:06 given that the electoral campaign is in full swing.
00:09 On Sunday she appeared on a prime time Italian TV show, "Che tempo che fa" in an interview
00:15 that was aired on Sunday.
00:16 She touched on a number of topics ranging from the war in Ukraine, the Green Deal, relations
00:22 between Europe and China.
00:23 Speaking about Ukraine, she highlighted the need to defend the country against Russia`s
00:29 aggression as a way to preserve peace in Europe.
00:32 And speaking about the importance of building a European defense, she said that Europe should
00:37 do more on that front.
00:39 Touching on the European elections and on potential alliances that could be formed as
00:45 a result, she said that everything will be decided once the elections are over.
00:49 And even though she didn`t provide any specific names, she said that she`s ready to work with
00:55 those political parties that are - that have a few values in common, such as being pro-Europe,
01:02 pro-Ukraine and pro-the rule of law.
01:06 But von der Leyen is in Rome also to meet with Deputy Prime Minister and the leader
01:10 of Forza Italia, Antonio Tajani.
01:12 They`re both part of the EPP political group with Tajani launching the party`s political
01:19 campaign today here in Rome.
01:22 According to reports in the Italian media, it`s not yet clear whether or not von der
01:27 Leyen will hold an official meeting with Italy`s Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni.
01:31 We know that the EU commission president confirmed her intention to lead the executive for five
01:38 more years.
01:39 And even though the ECR group said that it`s ready to work together with the EPP after
01:44 the elections, the group which is led by Italy`s Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni has agreed not
01:50 to have a lead candidate.
01:52 Giorgio Arlandi for Euronews in Rome.
01:54 [BIRDS CHIRPING]
01:58 (whooshing)