Italy’s prime minister urges the EU to take greater responsibility within NATO, pushing back against Washington while distancing Rome from US actions abroad.
Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has called on the European Union to develop its own security architecture within NATO, arguing that the bloc should act independently rather than defer to US interests.
Speaking in parliament following NATO secretary general Mark Rutte’s visit to Washington, Meloni said Europe must take responsibility for its own defence and work decisively to strengthen a European pillar within the alliance. This, she argued, is essential to ensuring the continent’s long-term security.
Meloni stressed that the EU had already signalled to Washington that it would not tolerate what she described as “humiliation and reproach,” pointing to firm responses over disputes concerning Greenland and tariff policies.
She also made clear that Italy does not support the US campaign against Iran and will not take part in it.
Her government is meanwhile advocating more flexible EU fiscal rules, viewing the current crisis as grounds for easing restrictions on energy-related spending. European officials, including commissioner Stéphane Séjourné, have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue on the issue.
Allies of Meloni acknowledge that her previous closeness to Donald Trump has become a political liability, contributing to a referendum defeat. However, the government has ruled out the possibility of early elections. Observers note that the prime minister’s political future will depend on how the international crisis unfolds and whether she can maintain unity within her coalition.
Following his meeting with Trump, Rutte said he had clearly sensed the American leader’s frustration with NATO. Trump, for his part, voiced confidence that the alliance would once again fail to come to the US’ aid when needed.
