Global unity call. “Today more than ever,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told the Chamber of Deputies on Monday.
- “The European Union must concentrate on issues where we can make a global difference together, not on detailed matters better handled nationally”, she said.
- Her remarks set the agenda for this week’s European Council, which follows last week’s G7 summit in Kananaskis, Canada, and the NATO summit scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in The Hague, Netherlands.
Iran on edge. Meloni warned that US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites “have further destabilised an already fragile region,” stressing the grave risks of a nuclear-armed Iran.
- “Only coordinated diplomacy can secure peace,” she said, noting Italy’s hosting of two negotiation rounds and its readiness to continue facilitating talks.
- She urged Tehran to “seize the opportunity” for a civilian nuclear deal, citing the United Arab Emirates as a “regional model,” and revealed plans to temporarily relocate Italy’s embassy in Tehran to Oman.
- “Italy has taken no part in any military operations,” she clarified, dismissing media and opposition rumours.
Ceasefire now. On Gaza, Meloni condemned Israel’s “legitimate response” to terror attacks as having “turned dramatic and unacceptable.”
- She called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and Hamas’s disarmament.
- Arab states, she argued, must lead Gaza’s reconstruction—Hamas excluded—and she championed “full normalisation” between Israel and Arab nations under the Abraham Accords.
Ukraine stalemate. Meloni lamented an “absence of negotiated progress” on Ukraine, pledging Italy’s dual approach, “support for Kyiv and pressure on Moscow.”
- She praised Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire and direct talks but criticised Russia’s lack of commitment.
- Italy will host a Reconstruction Conference on 10–11 July to “mobilise private-sector investment” for rebuilding a free Ukraine “that enriches all of Europe.”
Defence first. Turning to defence, Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to NATO’s new spending framework: 3.5% of GDP on military capabilities plus 1.5% on security.
- “Without security, prosperity cannot exist,” she declared, urging flexibility under the EU’s Stability-and-Growth Pact.
- “We will not leave Italy exposed or unable to protect its interests.”
Stabilise Libya. Finally, Meloni stressed Libya’s direct impact on European security, noting Italy’s heightened exposure.
- She backed a UN-led political process and more substantial EU leverage over Libyan factions.
- “A fragmented Libya invites extra-regional interference,” she warned.
- At Italy’s request, today’s Foreign Affairs Council added Libya to its agenda—supported by France, Greece and Malta—to rally EU backing for a ceasefire and counter Russian influence.
