Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will address Italy’s Parliament today ahead of the European Council meeting on 18–19 December, laying out Rome’s position on Ukraine, Russian assets and EU unity. According to Decode39’s sources, her remarks will offer a clear preview of the line Italy intends to take in Brussels at a moment when EU consensus remains fragile.
What’s happening today: Meloni will deliver formal communications to Parliament:
- 11:30 a.m. at the Chamber of Deputies
- 5:30 p.m. at the Senate.
- Her statements follow a meeting held yesterday with President Sergio Mattarella, part of the traditional consultations ahead of major EU summits.
- What follows reflects the policy line Meloni is expected to present to lawmakers today, in preparation for the European Council.
The line from Rome: Italy will reaffirm its firm support for Ukraine and its alignment with U.S.-led efforts to pursue a peace process, while stressing the need to avoid divisions within the Western camp.
- At the same time, Meloni is expected to underscore Italy’s ongoing concerns over proposals to use frozen Russian assets to finance Ukraine in 2026–2027, especially if those assets were to be immobilized indefinitely without periodic renewal.
Between the lines: Italy, alongside Belgium, Bulgaria and Malta, has warned EU partners against “technical fast-tracking” on Russian assets.
- Rome argues that the legal, financial and institutional implications of such a move require a more thorough political assessment before any binding decision is taken.
- A final Italian position is therefore likely to emerge only after discussions in Brussels, possibly extending into the second day of the summit.
Behind closed doors: The concerns now being taken to Parliament were already outlined to President Mattarella, who is said to have listened without indicating a preferred course of action.
- The Tuesday’s meeting at Quirinale reportedly took place in a calm and constructive atmosphere, despite the sensitive economic and financial implications involved.
Domestic positioning: Italy’s governing coalition—led by Brothers of Italy (national-conservative), with the League (right-wing, sovereigntist) and Forza Italia (center-right, liberal-conservative)—is preparing a single parliamentary resolution.
Key topics:
- Priority for Western Balkans countries in the EU enlargement process, without accelerated timelines for Ukraine.
- Strict conditionality on future funding for Kyiv, including safeguards on the rule of law and anti-corruption measures—an issue particularly stressed by the League.
- Disagreements remain on arms deliveries, though they are being managed internally.
What the minority is saying: Broadly divided, with the center-left backing stronger EU coordination, while populist and left-wing forces oppose arms deliveries to Ukraine and call for a more diplomatic EU approach, including on Russian assets and the Middle East.
What’s next:
- EU leaders will revisit the Russian assets issue at the 18–19 December European Council, with no certainty of a final agreement.
- Italy’s approach points to a push for legal clarity and political consensus before any step that could set long-term precedents for the EU.
