Melons: "On NATO we respect our commitments but on our terms"

“The defense of the national interest”, “the solidity of the Alliance”, “the unity of the West”, but also “dignity and a head held high”. Giorgia Meloni leaves the top Born in Ankara claiming a line that, he assures, does not change: no second thoughts in relations with the United Statesno change to the Italian position on the use of bases for possible operations againstIransupport forUkraine which will also continue on the military supplies front, increased spending for defense and security but only “in ways, times and priorities decided by Rome” and without sacrificing essential services in the budget.

Meloni: “Defense investments must remain in Italy”

Investments in defense “must remain in Italy, not be a check for abroad”. And, on the Iranian crisis, the belief that “the military option in this case has not brought such concrete results” and that it is necessary to continue to focus on negotiations.

“The compass is the defense of the national interest”

At the end of the summit, the Prime Minister indicated in the press conference what she defined as the compass of Italian action: “The defense of our national interest”, which also means “defence of our system of alliances”, “more concrete security for Italians”, “more work for our businesses” and “respect for a sovereign nation that continues to do its part at 360 degrees, for the solidity of the Alliance, for the unity of the West, with its priorities, with its times, with the defense of its interests but also with dignity and with head held high”.

“No second thoughts in relations with the USA”

Meloni therefore rejects the idea of ​​a rethink on policy towards Washington in light of the recent clash the head of the White House. “I don’t regret anything I’ve done,” he says, claiming “a political investment out of conviction in the unity of the West.” A choice, he insists, which was not born with Donald Trump and does not depend on the fluctuations of personal relationships: “My strategy has always been that and will remain that, simply because it is a strategy dictated by conviction and not by convenience”.

Relations with Trump

The prime minister recognizes that “there were affinities” with Trump on some issues, from immigration to the battle against woke culturebut clarifies that the point remains the Italian and European national interest. “I won’t change my mind on what the Italian interest is”, he states, because for Rome “unity and the strengthening of Western unity” remain decisive. It’s not a question of an election campaign.

The reduction of American troops in Europe

On the possible reduction of the American presence in EuropaMeloni explains that Italy “has not been notified of any formal disengagement”. But he does not rule out developments, recalling that in the United States a different distribution of burdens has been discussed for years Nato. For the prime minister, the strengthening of the European pillar of the Alliance is “an opportunity for Europe to take greater control of its security”, because “the ability to defend itself is the antechamber of its sovereignty”.

“The line on Italian bases does not change”

As for the Italian bases, the line does not change. “We have had a very clear line since the beginning of the conflict in Iran and we maintain that line,” he says, recalling that Italy “has respected its commitments” but has also made it clear that it will not participate in military operations against Tehran. “We are not participating in attacks on Iran and will not participate in attacks on Iran.”

Iranian crisis and negotiations

The Prime Minister says she is “very worried” about the evolution of the Iranian crisis, but reiterates that we must continue to work towards a solution diplomatic. “I don’t lose hope on the possibility of negotiations”, he says, observing that “the military option in this case has not brought such concrete results” and that Italy will continue to work towards resuming dialogue.

Support for Ukraine

On theUkraineMeloni assures that “we are moving forward in our support”. The government is evaluating the most effective tools, including methods of military assistancewhile support on the energy front also continues, born from a request from Kiev. The Prime Minister also confirms that Italy will participate in the next meeting of the Coalition of the Willing with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister Antonio Tajani. “You can write all the articles you want about isolation, change of position, disengagement from Ukraine. No,” he cuts it short. “At the sixth summit in three and a half weeks I say no. I can’t disengage from Italy, where I have so many important dossiers to deal with.”

Defense spending

On the chapter defenseMeloni confirms the desire to respect the commitments undertaken in NATO, but reiterates that this must happen “in a sustainable way”, establishing “times, methods and priorities” based on the country’s possibilities.

“The only thing I won’t do is take away resources from other chapters that I consider equally important”, he assures, defining “ridiculous” the accusation of an Italy that “closes hospitals to buy tanks”. The current commitments, he concludes, “are adequate in this time” and “I would not go further”. Even if they are fair expenses “even if they are not popular”.

Finally, the Prime Minister reiterates the need to invest not only more but also better. The war in Ukraine, he observes, shows that “a tank worth millions can be destroyed by a drone worth 20 thousand euros”. For this reason, he concludes, strengthening defense also means strengthening the Italian industrial and technological base: “If we invest in our defensethat money must remain in Italy, in our factories, in our research, in our territories“.