"The current migration flows should be approached on the basis of the renewed relationship between Europe and Africa, in compliance with the Migration Compact promoted by the Italian Government. Migrant flows landing on Italian shores in the past days underline the urgent need for European action to support transit countries such as Libya," said Deputy Foreign Minister Vincenzo Amendola. Minister Amendola attended, together with Ambassador Alesssandro Azzoni, the Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) Mediterranean Conference held in Vienna. 
 

"Member countries should draft a Mediterranean agenda with OSCE playing a proactive role to serve as a platform for dialogue, security and development,"added Amendola. "The aim is to provide an OSCE security architecture in the Mediterranean area, urging youth to voice their responses to the regional challenges." 

Representatives of 57 OSCE Member Countries participated in the Conference as well as those of Partner Countries. The agenda included themes such as migration, terrorism and policies focusing on young generations. Many young participants, coming from the northern and southern shores of the Mediterranean, contributed to the debate, united in their shared challenges and desire to become promoters of change.

The UN Special Represetative for Libya, Martin Kobler, proposed a more viable role for young people through a "Mediterranean Youth Parliament", while the Libyan Foreign Minister, Mohamend Taha Siala, reiterated the need to join the OSCE Mediterranean partnership. The working lunch, organised by Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz, focused on the topic of Libya's stabilisation prospects. 

The OSCE Mediterranean Conference, a landmark event taking place during the Austrian Presidency of the Contact Group with Mediterranean Partnership Countries, proposed for Italy to hold the next Presidency of the Group (as of Jan. 1st 2017). This is in view of Italy's upcoming OSCE Presidency in 2018.