Loosening Ties: Italy and France Strengthen Diplomatic Relations
Diplomatic gesture: Macron visits Meloni in Rome amid bid for improved relations.
In a significant move, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warmly welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron to Rome, a meeting that hinted at a thaw in diplomatic relations between the two nations. After a productive three-hour discussion, both leaders asserted their unyielding commitment to supporting Ukraine, aiming for a fair and lasting solution. They also highlighted the need for an "aggressive reconstruction" in European defense.
The joint press release also referenced discussions on European cooperation in migration and the situation in the Middle East. The following bilateral meeting has been scheduled for early 2026 in France.
Mending Fences, but Tensions Persist
The meeting at the Italian government headquarters, Palazzo Chigi, was viewed as a diplomatic restart for Paris and Rome, despite both sides maintaining that there was never a freeze in relations. "We share commonalities, but we also have differences," Meloni remarked last week. "What truly matters is that we converse, even when we differ." The Élysée Palace repeatedly asserted that Italy is a vital partner, with Meloni not being shunned.
Despite this, relations between the two appeared strained recently. Macron's visit to Kyiv alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer sparked friction in Rome, as Meloni was not extended an invitation. Additionally, there are discordant views on Macron's "coalition of the willing" to support Ukraine post-ceasefire: Italy vehemently opposes sending troops.
The leaders also have opposing strategies regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump: Rome advocates proximity and mediation, while Paris champions European independence.
Digging Deeper: The Undercurrents
Ukraine Policy
- Recent Developments: Differences over Ukraine policy between Macron and Meloni have been largely resolved, with Macron dismissing rumors of a rift over European troops in Ukraine, following Meloni's opposition to certain proposals [3].
- Italian Involvement: Indications from France suggest more direct involvement for Italy in efforts related to Ukraine.
European Defense
- Stance: Both countries emphasize the importance of European strategic autonomy and defense collaboration. They aim to deepen their cooperation on defense and competitiveness within the European framework [3].
- EU Unity: The meeting in Rome underscored their commitment to EU unity, particularly in preparing for upcoming international summits like the G7 [3][5].
Migration
- Persisting Tensions: Migration remains a point of contention between Italy and France, with differences in policy and handling of migrant flows contributing to past discord [5].
- Potential Cooperation: While migration was not the primary focus of recent discussions, the improved diplomatic dynamic suggests a possibility for better cooperation on this issue.
Middle East
- Lack of Clarity: The recent diplomatic interactions did not offer significant insights on joint positions regarding the Middle East, but both countries traditionally engage in European and international efforts aimed at regional stability.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump
- Impact on Relations: Meloni sees the unpredictability of former U.S. President Donald Trump as a significant factor influencing EU actions, highlighting the need for sovereignty and cooperation [3].
- Transatlantic Implications: Meloni's emphasis on sovereignty implies caution in aligning with U.S. policies under Trump or similar administrations, favoring a more autonomous European approach.
- Despite their shared commitment to European strategic autonomy and defense collaboration, the leaders continue to hold opposing views on sending troops to support Ukraine post-ceasefire, with Italy vehemently opposing such deployment.
- As their diplomatic relations strengthen, there remains a possibility for better cooperation on migration issues, as indicated by the improved dynamic and France's suggestions of more direct involvement for Italy in efforts related to Ukraine.
