The Italian PM calls for the EU to prioritise strategic sectors over commercial interests, emphasising lessons from recent crises. She advocates for a robust common defence policy and increased European sovereignty within NATO
Meloni’s EU shift. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a strategic change in the focus of the European Union, urging the bloc to prioritise significant issues instead of solely functioning as a commercial platform.
- Speaking in the Italian Parliament before the European Council meeting on June 27-28, PM Meloni highlighted lessons learned from recent crises, including the Covid-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, which revealed the vulnerabilities in Europe’s extended supply chains.
- She emphasised the need for the EU to address critical sectors such as raw materials and energy to avoid relying on external actors. “We have realised how much our destiny is tied to the actions of those who, unfortunately, are not always our friends,” she said, pointing to the significant impacts on Europe’s economy and production systems.
- In her speech, she criticised the appointments of top jobs in the European Union, which had already been agreed upon (Ursula von der Leyen for the Commission, António Costa for the Council, and Kaja Kallas for High Representative), with the exclusion of the conservatives she leads. She stated, “No true democrat can accept that discussions about top leadership roles in Europe occurred before the elections.”
European principles. Italy successfully advocated for including the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality in the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029.
- PM Meloni argued that the EU should unite on crucial issues while giving member states the autonomy to handle matters where local governance could yield better outcomes.
The push for defence. She emphasised the significance of a strong common defence policy, stating that Europe’s security cannot solely rely on external guarantees.
- She acknowledged that the Russian aggression in Ukraine highlighted the necessity for Europe to adopt a proactive stance in its defence.
- The European Council is also expected to reaffirm its support for Ukraine. “Peace never means surrendering, and confusing peace with submission would set a dangerous precedent for everyone,” she warned, highlighting the broader implications of Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty.
- Tomorrow, the Minister of Defense, Guido Crosetto, will be heard at the parliamentary committee for intelligence (Copasir) to present the ninth package of Italian aid to Ukraine, which is expected to include a second SAMP/T air defence system.
The financing plan. PM Meloni advocated for innovative financing solutions to support these defence initiatives, including the potential for European bonds.
- She also welcomed the strides made by the European Investment Bank in financing defence projects and urged for additional measures to increase the bank’s investment capacity.
