Driving the news. In an exclusive interview with our sister website Formiche, MP Deborah Bergamini—Deputy Secretary and Head of Foreign Affairs for Forza Italia and a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Chamber of Deputies—laid out a detailed roadmap for Italy’s foreign policy.
- Her vision pivots on three key axes: recalibrating the transatlantic alliance, forging a European development path for Africa under the Piano Mattei, and expanding Italy’s influence in the Indo-Mediterranean corridor.
Transatlantic recalibration. Bergamini emphasised Italy’s crucial role within the transatlantic alliance, particularly in the context of NATO commitments and support for Ukraine.
- With indications that Donald Trump may soon return to the White House, she warned that Europe must prepare for a reshaped transatlantic dialogue.
- “Despite the tones and frictions, we have the responsibility to find common ground,” she asserted, invoking the late Prime Minister Silvio “Berlusconi doctrine” as a guiding legacy based on shared, if sometimes elusive, interests.
A European path for Africa. Turning to Africa, Bergamini highlighted the Piano Mattei as Italy’s flagship strategy for a European model of development that counters neo-colonial approaches from Russia and China.
- She detailed tangible investments in education, healthcare, and urban development framed as genuine partnerships with African nations.
- “With the Mattei Plan, Italy is opening a sort of ‘European path’ for Africa, bringing development, education, and investment,” she explained.
Indo-Mediterranean ambitions. Bergamini positioned the Indo-Mediterranean as a rising strategic frontier for Italian foreign policy.
- She highlighted the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), mainly through strategic assets like the port of Trieste.
- “The concept of the Indo-Mediterranean is rapidly taking shape. For Italy, it’s crucial—one of the three main strategic directions of our foreign policy,” she stated.
- While recognising France’s interest in Marseille, Bergamini reaffirmed Italy’s commitment by outlining plans to appoint a Special Envoy for IMEC, underscoring Rome’s determination to lead in this emerging arena.
