Meloni in the Chamber of Deputies, heading towards the EU Council: support for Kiev, the Middle East, and defense at 2,8%.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reported to Montecitorio ahead of the European Council meeting on June 18 and 19, outlining Italy's position on the key international and economic issues that will be at the center of the summit. In her remarks, the Prime Minister addressed the war in Ukraine, the crisis in the Middle East, the European Union's role in peace negotiations, defense spending, the EU budget, energy, border security, and emerging health emergencies. This wide-ranging speech, part of the majority's draft resolution, reaffirmed Italy's support for Kiev, its coordination with the United States, NATO, and its G7 partners, and its desire for a more effective Europe in major international crises.

Ukraine, support for Kiev and pressure on Moscow

On the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Meloni reiterated that the Italian government's position "is unchanged." The prime minister recalled that, more than four years after the start of the Russian aggression, Moscow has failed to transform the offensive into a victory, thanks in part to the resistance of the Ukrainian people and the support received from Western allies, including Italy. According to Meloni, the front remains essentially at a standstill, and since January 1, 2026, Russia has been unable to increase the percentage of Ukrainian territory under its control. This, she explained, is the source of Moscow's frustration, which has resulted in new attacks against the civilian population, ultimatums to Kiev, and violations of European Union and NATO airspace—events that Italy has firmly condemned.

Sanctions and negotiations, the Italian line

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Italy's full support for Ukraine's defense, the resilience of the energy system, the safety of nuclear facilities, and reconstruction projects. For Meloni, maintaining high pressure on Moscow remains "the only concrete way" to create the conditions for serious negotiations. This is the context for Italy's support for the twentieth package of European sanctions against Russia, considered necessary as long as Moscow continues to refuse a ceasefire and the start of real negotiations. The Prime Minister added, however, that this firmness must not turn into "diplomatic blindness" or Europe's self-exclusion from the future negotiating table.

Europe and the United States, coordination without delegation

One of the key points of her speech concerned the European Union's role in peacebuilding. Meloni emphasized the need to preserve Euro-Atlantic unity and strengthen coordination between Europe and the United States, but clarified that "coordination does not mean delegation." In any peace scenario between Ukraine and Russia, the Prime Minister explained, many conditions will depend directly on Europe, will affect Europe, and will have consequences for Europe. Therefore, according to Meloni, it will be the European Union that must negotiate them, avoiding being subject to decisions made elsewhere or proceeding with variable formats lacking full common legitimacy.

An authoritative figure to represent the EU

Meloni reiterated the proposal to identify an authoritative figure, invested with the trust and mandate of all member states, charged with bringing the European perspective to the negotiating table. According to the prime minister, the issue is not determining who participates in which diplomatic format, but rather avoiding fragmentation, confusion, and weakness. No current format, she noted, has the legitimacy to speak on behalf of the whole of Europe. Hence the call for a joint and pragmatic reflection on the modalities of interaction with Moscow, without renouncing the defense of international law, but keeping open the channels needed to achieve political and diplomatic objectives.

Fewer redundant meetings and more concrete answers

In the section dedicated to the functioning of the European Union, Meloni called for streamlined procedures and a more results-oriented approach. The Prime Minister criticized the overlapping formats and meetings, arguing that Europe could make a more effective contribution to problem-solving by reducing redundant meetings and increasing discussion on concrete solutions. The same principle, she explained, also applies to Ukraine's accession to the European Union, which Italy considers important for the continent's security and stability, but which must proceed on merit and with equal treatment with other candidate countries, including Moldova and the Western Balkans.

Middle East: Italy Refuses to Enter the Conflict

Ample space was also devoted to the Middle East crisis, which the Prime Minister described as a source of grave concern for humanitarian reasons, regional security, and global economic stability. Meloni reiterated that Italy "is not a party to the conflict and does not intend to become one," but clarified that this does not mean remaining idle in the face of the crisis's consequences. The government's stated objective is to avoid a further escalation of the conflict, protect Italian citizens, businesses, and military personnel in the area, energy supplies, and trade routes, and continue to act in coordination with its main European and Atlantic partners.

Hormuz and freedom of navigation

Regarding the potential impact of the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, Meloni was clear-eyed. The prime minister called any attempt to unilaterally change the rules guaranteeing free transit through a key maritime hub unacceptable. Freedom of navigation, she noted, is a global common good and cannot be subjected to blackmail. According to Meloni, what is happening in Hormuz is not unique to Hormuz, because it would pave the way for a world in which major sea lanes become instruments of political pressure or military coercion. For this reason, she added, a firm, coordinated, and responsible response from the international community is necessary.

Lebanon, UNIFIL and civilian safety

The Prime Minister then addressed the situation in Lebanon, a country to which Italy is linked by a historic commitment to peace and stability. Meloni thanked the Italian soldiers engaged in the UNIFIL mission and reiterated that any attack against the personnel, bases, or freedom of movement of the United Nations mission is unacceptable. Anyone who attacks or threatens UNIFIL, she stated, is attacking not only an international mission, but also one of the few assets that have helped prevent an even wider conflict. The Prime Minister also called for Israeli actions against Hezbollah to ensure maximum protection for the civilian population, highlighting Hezbollah's disarmament and Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon as essential steps.

Israel, violent settlers and sanctions on Ben Gvir

In the chapter dedicated to Israel and the two-state perspective, Meloni stated that Italy intends to support targeted measures against those who foment hatred and extremism, including violent settlers. The prime minister then directly referred to Israeli Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, calling for sanctions for his unacceptable behavior toward Italian citizens in the Flotilla case. Meloni also rejected Ben Gvir's comments toward Italy, deeming them "unacceptable for Italy" and "undignified for Israel." This move marks a clear stance by the Italian government on one of the most sensitive diplomatic issues of recent days.

NATO, defense at 2,8% of GDP

Another key issue was defense. Meloni announced that Italy will attend the NATO summit with 2,8% of its GDP invested in defense and security, exceeding the 2% target set by the Atlantic Alliance. The increase, amounting to 0,71%, would be primarily covered by spending related to domestic security. The prime minister asserted Italy's willingness to assume its responsibilities, but emphasized that defense cannot be separated from protecting families and businesses from the effects of the ongoing crisis. "Without security, energy would end up costing more and more; without energy, there would be nothing left to defend with weapons," Meloni explained.

Energy, flexibility and businesses

In her speech, the Prime Minister linked security, energy, and economic competitiveness. Meloni touted the achievement in terms of European flexibility, with the possibility of activating the National Escape Clause on a voluntary basis. This will allow Italy to invest €14 billion over the next three years to mitigate the impact of rising energy prices on vulnerable families, energy-intensive businesses, and citizens. According to the Prime Minister, this is a significant achievement, demonstrating Italy's ability to assert its interests in Europe and propose effective and pragmatic solutions.

EU Budget and the Rule of Law

On European economic issues, Meloni addressed the European Union's new Multiannual Financial Framework, emphasizing that progress has been made in the negotiations, but that a mature and satisfactory compromise remains a long road. The Prime Minister ruled out any intention to tie Italy to artificial negotiation deadlines, assuring that the government will assume responsibility for the agreement only when it deems the best possible compromise for the national interest to be achieved. Meloni also addressed the conditionality related to the rule of law, arguing that the disbursement of funds cannot be blocked without a hearing on the basis of informal documents.

Ebola, borders and new emergencies

In her closing remarks on security issues, Meloni expanded the concept of border control beyond the mere dimension of migration. The Prime Minister cited the fight against drug trafficking and the epidemiological situation in Central Africa, linked to the recent Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. In recent days, she noted, the Italian government has asked European leaders to strengthen the coordination of border surveillance activities, including through common rules for managing direct and indirect arrivals of people potentially exposed to the virus. The goal, she explained, is to reach the European Council with concrete and coordinated decisions to protect European citizens.

The political message to Parliament

Meloni concluded her remarks by advocating a policy based on realism, determination, and the defense of national interests within a European framework. The Prime Minister argued that Italy does not intend to simply follow the course of events, but wants to help shape them. Ahead of the European Council on June 18 and 19, the government is therefore asking Parliament for support for a strategy that combines solidarity with Ukraine, firmness toward Moscow, caution in the Middle East, strengthening security, protecting businesses and families, economic competitiveness, and greater European Union impact in international crises.