What is happening on the migratory flows front, with the great influx not only in Italy, "requires that the problem be tackled together, as a European Union problem because the EU can do it with coordinated action", he said.
"We need a new asylum policy, overcoming old rules that are now prehistory", said Mattarella speaking in Warsaw after talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
The president also said that Italy will support Ukraine as long as it takes to free the country from the Russian invasion respecting its territorial integrity.
"After Russia's brutal aggression there is a need to support Ukraine," he said.
"We will continue to give support to Ukraine as long as is necessary ... under all profiles: on military supplies, financial, humanitarian, and for the reconstruction of the country," the Italian Head of state said.
"(We will do) this with the conviction that this does not concern Ukraine alone but all countries that uphold the freedom of persons and peoples."
Mattarella said if Ukraine were left on its own, other aggressions would follow.
"Ukraine is entitled to solidarity and we will guarantee it fully.
"Also because we are horrified by some Russian behaviour, such as that of striking civilian targets.
"All this requires a great cohesion from the European Union."
ANSA
