Italy and Germany strongly reject Austria's plans to build an anti-migrant fence at the Brenner border crossing, Italian premier Matteo Renzi said Thursday after talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
"We voiced our total opposition to, and also our shock over the position that has been taken by our Austrian friends," Renzi said during a joint press conference with Merkel in Rome.
Italy and Austria last week reached a deal to avoid closing the heavily trafficked Brenner pass, a major conduit for tourists and goods transiting Europe that is one of the border points used by migrants heading for the wealthy north.
But Austria intends to make preparations for a 370-metre fence to "channel" migrants and highway police checkpoints to prevent unauthorised border crossings.
Merkel said in Rome she would do her utmost to safeguard free travel within the European Union.
"I will do all that is possible so that problems are solved in ways other that through border closures," Merkel stated.
Several EU members have tightened their border policies in response to a huge refugee and migrant influx from Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Renzi and Merkel said they discussed at length an Italian government paper that urges the EU to offer African countries funds to tighten border controls, emulating a controversial deal the bloc has signed with Turkey.
Italy has suggested that migration aid to Africa could be financed by EU bond issuances, but Germany has firmly ruled them out.
Merkel travelled to Rome to take part in a ceremony on Friday for the awarding of Germany's famed Charlemagne Prize to Pope Francis, given to public figures in recognition of their contribution to European unity.
EU leaders were also scheduled to attend the prize-giving ceremony.
