As Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni returns to Rome, Palazzo Chigi highlights that the EUCO’s Brussels summit followed the trajectory she set in her parliamentary address earlier in the week, where she outlined Italy’s priorities and emphasised three key points:
- Political stability is characterised by a government that endures and makes decisions.
- The IMF and financial markets recognise economic credibility.
- International authority, built on consistency and the ability to project a vision.
This was the message Meloni brought to the European Council: Italy as a predictable actor, capable of keeping its word.
Italian positions that made an impact. The European Council conclusions reflected several Italian priorities:
- Migration: success of the “Italian model,” based on repatriations and cooperation with Africa.
- Green transition: acknowledgement of the need to balance sustainability and industrial competitiveness.
- Security and defence: reaffirmation of NATO’s central role and the principle of national sovereignty in EU decision-making.
The Italian press referred to “Italian leadership in Brussels,” the “Meloni model,” and the government’s determination to urge Europe to “defend itself” without compromising its identity.
The Mediterranean as a strategic lever. Meloni reinforced Italy’s vision as a bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East:
- The Mattei Plan has become part of the European agenda and inspired the emerging Mediterranean Pact.
- On the Middle East crisis, the Prime Minister has always called for a humanitarian ceasefire, maintaining a posture of balance and responsibility.
- Italy presents itself as a builder of bridges, through projects such as the IMEC (India–Middle East–Europe Corridor).
The Ukraine factor. The war in Ukraine dominated much of the Brussels agenda.
EU leaders debated a plan to use frozen Russian assets as collateral for a €140 billion loan to Kyiv — a move still blocked by Belgium.
- Zelensky’s intervention, and bilateral talks with Meloni, focused on protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and ensuring that reconstruction funds also benefit European industry.
- The Italian premier reiterated support for Ukraine’s sovereignty while backing a realistic European mechanism that ties aid to accountability and energy resilience.
The exchange reinforced Italy’s dual role: loyal to the transatlantic consensus but attentive to Europe’s economic interests.
European defence — but not at the expense of sovereignty. Italy supports European strategic autonomy only when complementary to NATO.
- Meloni urged the EU to “defend itself” without sacrificing the identity of its member states.
- Rome opposes any direction that could weaken the transatlantic bond.
The line: More cooperation, but no surrender of sovereignty.
A globally recognised role. In the broader international framework, Italy is increasingly seen as a credible and stable partner:
- The bond with the United States remains strong, with shared interests in security, energy, and investment.
The political view: As Massimiliano Salini (EPP) told our sister website Formiche.net, “today Italy is perceived as a factor of stability — something that, in Europe, was far from taken for granted.”
- “On the main issues of foreign policy — defence, Ukraine, Atlanticism — the government shows a solidity that inspires confidence among partners. Stability, however, must become coherence: clearly deciding where to stand, including in public communication.”
- Salini’s comments reflect the European perception of an Italy that, after years of political uncertainty, has regained institutional continuity and geopolitical credibility—a crucial asset at a time when Brussels is refocusing on foreign policy, sanctions, and common defence.
The takeaways: The European Council projected the image of an Italy that is:
- Solid in its economic choices.
- Respected in international forums.
- Aware of its political and diplomatic strength.
In essence: Meloni is not merely reacting, but helping to shape Europe’s direction — a posture of continuity and leadership that strengthens Italy’s role in the Union’s evolving balance.
