Reaffirming Italy’s commitment. Italy’s engagement in the Middle East continues to be a cornerstone of its foreign policy, spanning multiple governments and political affiliations.
- Piero Fassino, a senior Democratic Party leader and member of the parliamentary minority, has been unanimously reappointed as Chair of the Sub-Committee on the Middle East and the Arab World in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.
- The Council of Europe, comprising 46 member states, promotes democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across the continent.
- Fassino’s reappointment underscores Italy’s systemic and bipartisan commitment to the region, reinforcing its role as a diplomatic and stabilising force.
A strategic alignment. Fassino’s reappointment comes just a day after Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni returned from high-level visits to Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, following a previous trip to the UAE.
- While operating at different levels, these developments reflect a cohesive, long-term approach that prioritisesstability, cooperation, and Italy’s national interests in the Middle East.
- Italy’s foreign policy in the region is not confined to government actions alone but extends to parliamentary diplomacy, ensuring continuity across political transitions.
Fassino’s priorities. “I am grateful for the renewed trust,” Fassino stated following his reappointment.
- “I will continue working to ensure that the Council of Europe contributes to reopening the path towards a peace solution based on mutual recognition and the coexistence of two states.”
- He has already met with both the Palestinian and Israeli delegations at the Council of Europe to discuss implementing the ceasefire agreement, facilitating the return of displaced persons, and ensuring stable governance in Gaza.
- In a recent interview with our sister website Formiche, Fassino identified US President Donald Trump and Saudi de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman as key figures in shaping Middle East stability, noting that their decisions in the coming months could have a lasting impact on the region.
- He also highlighted the significance of the Abraham Accords, advocating for a broader diplomatic framework to foster long-term peace and economic cooperation.
Italy and the EU’s role in the region. Italy’s Middle East engagement aligns with broader European efforts to support regional stability and reconstruction.
- The EU has pledged €120 million in aid for 2025, alongside material assistance to sustain Palestinian communities.
- Israel has reactivated the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) at the Rafah crossing, a joint EU-Egypt initiative to manage border operations.
- A contingent of Italian Carabinieri has been deployed to support the mission, leveraging their technical expertise in international security operations.
Rome’s long-term approach. Speaking at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reaffirmed Europe’s need to take a leading role in Gaza’s reconstruction—both physically and politically.
- Italy’s commitment aligns with this vision, operating on three interconnected levels:
- bilateral diplomacy with key regional actors, including the Gulf states;
- multilateral cooperation to address crises affecting Italy’s security and strategic interests;
- a broader Indo-Mediterranean strategy, recognising the growing geopolitical link between the Middle East, Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.
The bigger picture. Italy’s engagement in the Middle East is not just a response to immediate crises but a reflection of a comprehensive strategy that intertwines security, political diplomacy, and economic interests.
- As the EU recalibrates its role in the region, Italy’s strong diplomatic ties and growing presence in Gulf and Middle Eastern affairs position it as a key player in shaping Europe’s next steps.
