Italian Prime Minister Meloni to welcome French President Macron in Rome amidst speculations of reconciliation
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is due to host French President Emmanuel Macron in Rome on Tuesday, June 3rd, in a bid to ease longstanding tensions and foster improved relations between the two European nations.
The highly anticipated one-on-one meeting will reportedly mark a turning point in the relationship, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera. Il Messaggero described the encounter as a "thaw" in the diplomatic ties between Rome and Paris.
It was Macron who proposed the visit due to his role in bringing Europeans together and his eagerness to work collaboratively with Meloni, according to his team.
Tensions between the strategic political counterparts have escalated over various issues, with the most recent flashpoint occurring at a European leaders summit in Albania on May 16th. Meloni did not attend a meeting that included Macron, the leaders of Germany, Britain, Poland, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The Italian prime minister explained her absence by expressing her opposition to the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine, should a peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow be reached. Macron later attributed Meloni's behavior to a misunderstanding.
Recently, during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Rome on May 17th, Meloni urged her European counterparts to concentrate on achieving the "unity of the West" rather than indulging in selfishness.
Professional political commentators have suggested that Macron and Meloni's contrasting political profiles may provide mutually beneficial opportunities that could pave the way for a reconciliation. Although Italy has lesser influence on the diplomatic stage compared to France, Meloni boasts a strong relationship with former US President Donald Trump and US Vice President JD Vance, who have repeatedly endorsed her conservative ideologies and tough stance on migration.
The EU's two largest economies face shared challenges, such as grappling with the effects of the war in Ukraine and US President Trump's tariffs against the bloc. This common ground renders dialogue between Rome and Paris increasingly pertinent.
In an attempt to forge better working relationships and address ongoing differences, Meloni will host Macron in Rome on June 3rd, signaling a commitment to mend the fractured relationship and reinforce the solidarity within the Western alliance.
By AFP's Gildas Le Roux
- Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, will host French President Emmanuel Macron in Rome on June 3rd, aiming to alleviate longstanding tensions and foster improved relations, as reported by Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
- Despite their contrasting political profiles, Meloni and Macron's meeting could present mutually beneficial opportunities, potentially paving the way for a reconciliation, according to professional political commentators.
- Tensions between the leaders have escalated over issues such as the potential deployment of European troops to Ukraine and the effects of US President Trump's tariffs against the EU.
- By hosting Macron in Rome, Meloni signals a commitment to mend the fractured relationship, addressing ongoing differences, and reinforcing the solidarity within the Western alliance, especially in dealing with shared challenges like the war in Ukraine and US tariffs.
