The Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni firmly rejects the idea that Italy should choose between the United States and Europe. A choice that considers “childish” as “superficial” as “childish”. This is the message delivered in an articulated interview with the Financial Time In the wake of the summit just ended in Paris of the coalition of the willing European countries. The premier – writes the FT by pointing out that it is his first interview with a foreign newspaper – has also clarified that he did not see the US president Donald Trump as a opponent and to want to continue respecting the “first ally” of Italy:
“I am conservative – it reads – Trump is a republican leader. Of course I am closer to him than to many others, but I understand a leader who defends his national interests,” said Meloni. “I defend mine”.
“Trump stimulus necessary for the EU”
“I like to think that a crisis always hides an opportunity.” Premier hopes that the “conflictual” approach of the Administration Trump on the European defense it is a necessary “stimulus“For the continent to take responsibility for his security. On the other hand, the newspaper recalls how the leader of the Italian conservative party since, two years ago, he is at the helm of the country” mitigated his message, tightening effective employment relationships with the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and reassuring investors with relatively parsimonious budget plans “.
“Unlike other far -right European leaders, some of whom have historical ties with the Russian president Vladimir Putin, – writes the newspaper – Meloni was also a strong supporter of Ukraine after the large -scale invasion of Russia”.
“I agree with Vance, Europe a bit lost”
“I must say that I agree.” So the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the hard attack of the US vice -president JD Vance to Europe who would have disregarded the commitment to democracy and freedom of speech.
“I have been saying this for years – continued the premier – Europe has been a little lost”. And, again, “Trump’s criticism of Europe was not aimed at his people, but in his ‘ruling class’ … and at the idea that instead of reading reality and finding a way to give people answers, one can impose one’s ideology to people”. According to the FT, “Meloni tried to avoid any hint of criticism of the White House” in spite of the ‘edges’ arrived from the US administration “welcomed by disdain by other European leaders”.
“For Moscow an EU coalition would be a threat”
The premier reiterated his skepticism on the Franco-British proposal of a “Reassurance force” European in Ukraine. A force that, in his opinion, could be seen by Moscow as a “threat”: “We must be cautious – he said – (this force) can be seen more as a threat”. Unlike many other European leaders – underlines FT – the Italian premier said he was confident about the efforts of the US administration to achieve one right peace for Kiev, “While repeatedly emphasizing the need for strong guarantees to ensure that Russia does not resume war in the future”.
The premier instead proposed to extend art. 5 of NATO or the collective defense clause, without however formally include Kiev in the allianceclaiming that it would be a “more effective” solution than other proposals. An idea, however, recalls the newspaper that has left many European officials perplexed since the USA so far – despite the talks to the White House of the leaders of Great Britain and France – have never offered similar guarantees to Ukraine. For his part, however, Meloni suggests that he does not want to aspire to leading roles in this ‘game’: “I am not interested in saying: ‘I am the one in the center, I am a protagonist’,” he said during the interview. “Not now. The stakes are too high,” he concluded.
To the question if he considers Russia one long -term threat,Meloni replied: “I think it could be, I think it could. But in any case, I believe that we must find a way to be ready to defend ourselves from any type of threat that we can have”.