Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni envisions Trieste as a strategic hub to advance Italy’s interests across the Mediterranean and Europe, aligning with the Mattei Plan for Africa and potential ties with the Three Seas Initiative to strengthen regional links
Trieste’s strategic future. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasised Trieste’s potential as a strategic hub on the Adriatic, where she envisions it becoming a pivotal logistical platform with reach across the Mediterranean.
- During her speech on Saturday, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Trieste’s return to Italy, Meloni emphasised the city’s dual identity as both Italian and Mitteleuropean, positioning it as a bridge and a cornerstone in Italy’s broader geopolitical aspirations.
- Meloni noted that “Trieste, with its enterprises, productive capacity, and maritime orientation, could play a critical role in advancing Italy’s natural geopolitical focus towards the broader Mediterranean and Africa.”
- This vision aligns with her government’s Mattei Plan, which aims to establish equitable partnerships with African nations, departing from historically extractive approaches in the region.
Boosting global trade links. Trieste’s economic significance is also amplified by its location along the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, introduced at the recent G20 summit with Italy’s involvement.
- Meloni described this corridor as “strategically imperative,” with the potential to strengthen economic and logistical ties along a vital axis of global trade.
- There is also interest among Italian policymakers in the potential for joining the Three Seas Initiative (3SI), which would complement the Mattei Plan.
- While the 3SI seeks to enhance infrastructure resilience in Central and Eastern Europe, the Mattei Plan supports Italy’s engagement with the Mediterranean and Africa.
- Together, these initiatives could position Trieste as a key convergence point, establishing a dual strategic framework for Italy that includes both southern and eastern expansion.
Cultural bridge to the Balkans. Meloni highlighted Trieste’s unique cultural role as “the most Italian and the most Mitteleuropean” of Italian cities, symbolising Italy’s shared heritage with nearby Slavic and Germanic communities.
- With this identity, Trieste could serve as a natural bridge to the Western Balkans—a critical focus for Italian foreign policy.
- Meloni asserted that Italy has a significant responsibility towards the Balkans and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing European integration and regional stability.
- With its cultural heritage and logistical potential, Trieste is poised to be a strategic asset in Italy’s geopolitical and economic vision, strengthening Italy’s role within Europe and its connections to Africa and the wider Mediterranean region.
