At the European Council, the Italian Prime Minister lauded proposals to mobilise private finance for European defence—without increasing national debt—and welcomed the rebranding of the EU rearmament plan to “Readiness 2030”. She also highlighted Italy’s commitment to innovative migration management
Driving the news. At the close of Thursday’s European Council in Brussels, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed satisfaction with the leaders’ decision to highlight the “importance of mobilising private financing for the European defence industry.”
- This initiative—proposed by Italy—emphasises using common funds that do not increase Member States’ debt burdens.
- Meloni clarified that the Italian proposal does not involve eurobonds, though she acknowledged that they remain open for discussion.
- She also stressed that the government is not opposed to European loans to support military spending.
- In its conclusions, the European Council invited the Commission “to consider making further use of EU programmes, such as building on the experience of the InvestEU Member State compartment, taking into account the specific character of the security and defence policy of certain Member States.”
Rebranding for peace. Meloni hailed a significant development from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who rebranded the EU’s rearmament plan as “Readiness 2030”—a less bellicose title for an estimated €800 billion investment initiative.
- The original name, ReArmEu, had drawn criticism in several capitals, particularly in Southern Europe, with both Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressing their discontent.
- Responding to von der Leyen’s statement that Europe must prepare for war by 2030, Meloni urged caution, noting that such messages risk disorienting European citizens.
Innovative migration management. Another focal point of Meloni’s mission to Brussels was addressing irregular migration.
- Alongside representatives from the Netherlands and Denmark, she co-presided over an informal meeting to discuss “innovative” solutions for managing migration.
- The Italian government aims to swiftly approve a repatriation regulation and establish a European list of safe countries of origin.
