A tête-à-tête in Rome. French President Emmanuel Macron’s today’s visit marks a turning point in the often-tense relationship between Paris and the Italian government under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- The afternoon meeting at Palazzo Chigi comes amid a broader push for European unity ahead of the G7 summit and in the context of continued military and diplomatic support for Ukraine.
- Meloni asserts sovereignty and cooperation above all relations.
Decoding the news. Macron’s outreach signals a recalibration of France’s approach to Italy after a year marked by frictions over migration, Ukraine policy, and the political positioning of Meloni’s right-wing government.
- For Italy, the visit underscores its strategic importance in Europe and Meloni’s ambition to position herself as a key transatlantic player—distinct from other nationalist forces, such as France’s Marine Le Pen.
Across the Alps. The Élysée was quick to dismiss any talk of ostracism toward Meloni, emphasising that Macron’s invitation for talks in Rome reflected “respect for Italy and the role” of Prime Minister Meloni.
- The meeting follows recent signals that Paris is willing to involve Rome more directly in the Western coalition supporting Ukraine, especially after Italy was absent from a Macron-led visit to Kyiv alongside the leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom.
- “There’s no exclusion of Italy. The president holds the Italian prime minister in high regard,” a senior French official said.
Yes but… Italy has publicly rejected the idea of sending troops to Ukraine, instead championing NATO guarantees of security.
- “It’s a formula that certainly deserves discussion, but the issue is that Article 5 lies at the heart of NATO’s solidarity,” Meloni noted.
- “And if Trump refuses Ukraine’s entry into NATO—something we would support—it’s precisely because he doesn’t want to trigger Article 5 in favour of Ukraine.”
What they’re saying. Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli clarified Italy’s position on France and the broader European alliance.
- “We’re not like Le Pen. We’re happy Macron came to Rome. The France-Italy bond is indissoluble,” he said in an interview with Il Foglio.
- Cirielli reinforced the government line that Italy and France can work together despite ideological differences, pointing to a shared commitment to security, defence, and a sovereign, strong Europe.
- He added that Macron “has understood how important the France-Italy relationship is.”
Economy matters. On trade and economic issues, Italy also clarified that while formats can vary, the content must remain focused on protecting European interests—particularly amid the uncertainty of US President Donald Trump’s views.
- The Italian government sees itself as a stabilising force within the European and transatlantic systems, capable of engaging both hawks and moderates.
- Meloni’s stance is less ideological and more pragmatic: she seeks to reinforce Europe’s geopolitical weight without compromising Italy’s sovereign posture.
The narrative from Rome is straightforward. Italy is essential to European cohesion and can no longer be treated as a junior partner in global decision-making.
- Shared priorities—from defence to irregular migration and space cooperation—and the visit’s symbolism underscored a broader pivot toward strategic alignment.
What we’re watching. All eyes now turn to the upcoming G7 in Canada, where Italy will play a crucial role in shaping the West’s message on Ukraine, global trade, and China.
- The Meloni government is positioning itself as a bridge between brutal power realism and European idealism—anchored firmly in its national interest but aware of its continental responsibilities.
