Yesterday, at the EU level, the vote on aid to Kyiv saw opposition from Slovakia and Hungary, reopening the debate on majorities and vetoes. In this context, Decode39 interviewed Lucio Malan, president of the Brothers of Italy senators.
Q: Senator, four years of war. What assessment do you make?
A: If Italy and other countries had not supported Ukraine from day one, Putin’s reckless plans would have succeeded. Ukraine would no longer exist today; it would be a Russian province.
- We are talking about the bloodiest war of the past hundred years, after the two world wars, and one of the bloodiest in absolute terms. Beyond the thousands of deaths, it is a moral and economic blow to the whole of Europe.
- We had deluded ourselves that peace was secured forever.
Q: Does yesterday’s EU vote, with Slovakia and Hungary opposing aid, weaken the European front?
A: Europe stands with Ukraine, beyond the positions of Viktor Orbán and Slovakia. Hungary had announced its opposing vote. It should be remembered that many decisions require unanimity: this is a guarantee for everyone.
- Majority decisions may be convenient today, but reforming the Treaties in that direction could be risky. If one day decisions were taken against us, we would be in difficulty.
- Thanks to Giorgia Meloni’s work, Hungary even supported the common positions in previous votes.
Q: What has been Italy’s role over these four years?
A: Consistency, balance, and determination. From the very first day, the goal has been to achieve a just peace. And we must persevere. Italy has maintained a clear line, supporting Kyiv and working with allies to create the conditions for serious negotiations.
Q: On the American front, Donald Trump often causes dismay. What is your assessment?
A: It is pointless to be anti-Trump regardless. Trump may be disconcerting in his manner, but he is the only one who has initiated a concrete attempt at an agreement. We hope that progress will be made.
- Relations with the United States are fundamental, and Italy, under Meloni, defends national interests by participating at the tables as a protagonist, not as a supporting actor.
Q: Does the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on tariffs affect Italy?
A: It is an important domestic step within the United States. If tariffs must be temporary or decided by Congress, the process will be longer and more predictable.
- From our point of view, the substance does not change: American consumers pay the tariffs. Italian companies, despite everything, have increased exports to the U.S. I do not understand the logic of those who attack the government on everything, portraying it as Trump’s “waiter.”
Q: The opposition claims the government is too aligned with Washington. How do you respond to these accusations?
A: It is an instrumental narrative. The left is always against Italy, regardless. Perhaps it would be good to remove some measures in favour of the most vulnerable. We defend the national interest within the European Union and in relations with the United States.
(Photo: X, @Italy_MFA_int)
