Rome seeks a Vice President and a significant portfolio, like Defence or Competition. FM Tajani suggested Minister Fitto as a candidate, with PM Meloni making the final decision. He praised Estonian PM Kallas as High Representative but stressed Mediterranean and Middle Eastern issues
Italy’s demands. Italy is seeking strong representation in the next European Commission, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasizing the need for a Vice President and a Commissioner with a significant portfolio.
- Tajani, leader of Forza Italia (EPP), highlighted Italy’s role as a founding EU member and the second-largest manufacturing economy in Europe to support this demand.
- Regarding potential candidates for Commissioner roles, Tajani mentioned Minister for European Affairs Raffaele Fitto, former co-chairman of the ECR Group, as an excellent choice due to his experience and knowledge. He noted that no final decision has been made and that PM Meloni will have the ultimate say after consulting her government.
- Portfolios of interest for Italy include Defence and Competition, reflecting the country’s strategic priorities.
- Tajani praised the proposal of Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas for the role of High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy but stressed the importance of considering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern issues in addition to Eastern Europe for the future top diplomat of the EU.
Green alliance rejected. Tajani also commented on forming the majority in the European Parliament, advocating for collaboration with the European Conservatives and Reformists Party, led by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and rejecting any alliance with the Greens.
- He criticized former Commissioner Frans Timmermans’ policies, which he said were “aligned” with Greta Thunberg’s activism, claiming European voters rejected them. Tajani called for pragmatic solutions that support agricultural and industrial productivity while reducing pollution.
