Italy has "saved Europe's honour" on the migrant crisis and this "pride" allows it be extremely critical of other European Union countries, premier Paolo Gentiloni said on Monday.
"We are proud of the good example we have set and the results we have achieved," Gentiloni told lawmakers ahead of a summit of EU leaders in Brussels on Friday.
"Italy is the country that is doing the most to save lives at sea. We have saved Europe's honour as (EU commission chief) Jean-Claude Juncker said," Gentiloni continued.
He also praised Italy's role in "the heavy blow" delivered to human traffickers organising Mediterranean crossings to Europe.
"This pride allows us to be very demanding towards other EU countries," he added.
On migration policy, the EU "has not shown a commitment commensurate with its abilities, traditions and civilisation," Gentiloni said.
Migration, defence, foreign affairs and digitalisation as well as Brexit area on the agenda at the EU summit in Brussels on Thursday and Friday.
