The new National Security Strategy of the Trump administration, which calls on Europeans to take the lead in NATO by 2027, has triggered a direct debate in Italy as well. Within Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, some are advocating for a deep reform of the European Union while maintaining the Atlantic link, while others are calling for a more operational and “continental” approach in defence.
The U.S. strategic document signals a possible rebalancing of transatlantic relations. Italy’s reaction reflects two different but complementary readings: one more institutional and political, the other more pragmatic and operational.
Tajani line: In an interview published today by Corriere della Sera, Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani outlined his position.
- Political analysis: Tajani insists that isolationism or nationalism is not the answer. He argues that Italy cannot confront global powers alone and that “loving one’s country does not mean being nationalist.”
- He criticises EU bureaucracy and policies such as the Green Deal, which he sees as “harakiri” for industry.
- Vision for the EU: His solution is institutional: abolishing the right of veto, unifying the presidencies of the European Commission and the European Council, and completing the single market in key sectors such as banking, energy, and capital markets.
- Relations with the U.S.: Tajani maintains a traditional Atlanticist stance. He says the United States remains the “principal ally” and that Western unity is non-negotiable.
- Even if Washington looks increasingly toward China, he argues, it cannot easily sideline Europe because it still needs European markets and allies.
- Defense: He supports a common European army as an “end goal,” while in the meantime pushing for stronger coordination and industrial cooperation.
Crosetto’s vision: Defence Minister Guido Crosetto also set the tone and pace of Italy’s reaction to the NSS in an interview published by Avvenire on Sunday.
- Political analysis: Crosetto offers a stark assessment, describing the West as “old and tired,” weakened by selfishness, and stating that international law is now “waste paper.”
- In his view, the United Nations is no longer fully functional.
- Vision for NATO: He calls for a profound transformation of NATO. Rather than being perceived as an “enemy” by the Global South or the BRICS world, NATO should open up and become the “democratic armed wing” of a renewed UN, focused on global peacekeeping rather than only on defending the Atlantic West.
- European defence: He argues that the “EU of 27” is too limited for an effective defence. He advocates for a “continental defence” framework that would include non-EU countries such as the UK, Norway, and the Balkan states.
- He has already moved in this direction by organising a summit with France, Germany, and the UK — and the EU Commissioner for Defence, Poland’s Andrius Kubilius, is expected to join Wednesday’s video call.
- The threat: Notably, Crosetto says he does not believe Vladimir Putin intends to launch a direct attack against Europe, although he acknowledges the fears felt in Eastern Europe.
- He also links national security closely to the “demographic winter,” calling for zero taxes for families with more than two children. Without children, he argues, both the social and defensive structures of the country risk collapsing.
The bottom line: Italy’s reaction is composite:
- Rome is taking note of the new U.S. strategic orientation without rhetorical escalation and with a sense of realism.
- Italy and the United States remain core allies, but both ministers agree on one key point: Europe must strengthen its own strategic autonomy.
- Tajani looks to a Europe reformed from within.
- Crosetto pushes for a broader, more operational and flexible continental defence.
- The standard line is clear: the era of automatic delegation to Washington is over, but the Atlantic bond remains a pillar.
