Creation of EU common defence can't be put off -Mattarella

(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 11 - The creation of common European Union defence can no longer be put off, President Sergio Mattarella said Friday at a meeting in Krakow of the Arraiolos Group, an informal meeting of Presidents of parliamentary and semi-presidential European Union member states, held roughly once a year.
    "Our continent is facing major challenges of various kinds: from climate to geopolitical," the president said.
    "This reminds us of the urgency of taking steps forward so that the Union is able to respond to them effectively and promptly, assuming the role and responsibilities that are its responsibility.
    "Among these challenges and reforms - which cannot be postponed - is that of the common defense of the European Union". (ANSA).