Germany, France, Italy say Europe must move forward after Brexit vote

But questions of how to bring about prosperity have divided the three countries.

Heavily-indebted Italy, whose economy has barely grown since the introduction of the euro currency in 1999, has repeatedly chafed against stern EU budget rules, and both Renzi and Hollande want greater flexibility to help boost growth.

Germany is keen for rules to be respected, and Renzi and Merkel sidestepped a question on deficit limits.

All three leaders are threatened at home. Merkel faces discontent over her controversial decision to let in a million mainly Muslim migrants last year.

France is reeling from a wave of Islamist attacks and Renzi faces a referendum on constitutional reform this autumn that could trigger his downfall.

The EU plans to offer incentives to African governments to help slow the flow of migrants into Europe, but divisions among member states are stark.

Italy, the main entry point for Africans but rarely their planned destination, is struggling to house migrants turned back from neighboring countries including France, and disagrees with Germany over how to finance the response.

Hollande stressed the need to protect the EU from militant violence by tightening borders and sharing intelligence.

"To have security we need frontiers that are controlled so that is why we are working to reinforce coastguards and border guards," he said. "We want more coordination in the fight against terrorism."

Source: Germany, France, Italy say Europe must move forward after Brexit vote