"We support the defense of Ukraine, "Our position remains unchanged. Supporting Kiev and maintaining pressure on Moscow remains the only way to open negotiations. This is why we support the twentieth package of European sanctions," said the Prime Minister. Giorgia Meloni, in the Chamber during the announcements in view of the meeting of the European Council of 18 and 19 June. Alongside her were Deputy Prime Ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani and, among others, Ministers Alessandro Giuli, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Giuseppe Valditara, Carlo Nordio, Marina Calderone, and Andrea Abodi.
Not only Ukraine, but also Iran, Israel and energy among the topics discussed by the Prime Minister who in her speech is returned to attack "European bureaucrats who are not accountable to anyone for their surreal interpretations", regarding the ETS. Meloni then took issue with the EU Commission, which – according to her – turns a blind eye to violations of the rule of law committed by governments it likes, while treating those it doesn't like differently (read Orbán and Hungary). edL.).
Meloni, Ukraine: "We need a figure to represent the EU in Ukraine, no delegation to the US."
The European Union must lead the dialogue between Ukraine and Russia, "and not be a victim of it. We need to identify who can represent European interests at the negotiating table. No format has the legitimacy to speak on behalf of Europe" Meloni said, referring to the latest summit between France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, from which Italy was excluded. Then the Prime Minister doubled down: "Our positions are always the same, and we represent them clearly and courageously in every forum, regardless of whether we participate in the individual meeting or not. And indeed, from my point of view, if there were fewer overlapping formats in Europe, fewer redundant meetings, but perhaps with a few more exchanges on concrete responses, we would perhaps be able to offer a more effective contribution to solving the problems", said the Prime Minister, speaking of the negotiations with Russia and Ukraine for the end of the war.
“I have long supported the need to identify an authoritative figure invested with the trust and mandate of all Member States to bring Europe's point of view and it is in this direction that I continue to work", he said.
"We must help build the conditions for peace, working, together with our allies, on solid security guarantees for Ukraine and a new European security architecture that can ensure stability in the long term. For this objective, it is clearly essential to preserve Euro-Atlantic unity and strengthen coordination between Europe and the United States", said the Prime Minister, admitting that it is a "challenge that is not always easy, but necessary. Only that coordination does not mean delegation"In any serious peace scenario between Ukraine and Russia, several conditions depend on Europe, concern Europe, and impact Europe. And it is Europe that must negotiate them," added the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister also referred to the possible Kiev's entry into the EU"Ukraine has made significant progress and must continue on the path of reforms, particularly in strengthening the rule of law and fighting corruption," he said, assuring that "Italy will continue to accompany and support this path." At the same time, he added, "the membership process must continue in compliance with the principle of merit and equal treatment between all candidate countries, including Moldova and the Western Balkan countries”. In short, no priority route.
NATO: "At the next summit, Italy will spend 2,8% of its GDP on defense."
The Prime Minister also spoke about Moscow's violations of NATO space, speaking of "unacceptable behavior, which Italy has condemned and condemns firmly" Meloni said, explaining that they are the result of “Moscow's frustration” over the stalemate in the conflict.
Then, in view of the next NATO summit scheduled in Ankara on 7 and 8 July, the Prime Minister anticipated that on defence "we are ready to assume our responsibilities and we will reiterate this at the NATO summit, where Italy will present itself with 2,8% of its GDP invested in defense and security. I note an increase of 0,71%, guaranteed however above all by expenses related to security on its territory", he said
Strait of Hormuz: "Italy available for defensive mission"
On the war in the Middle East Italy "is not part of the conflict and does not intend to become one"This does not mean standing still," Meloni explained, adding that it is necessary to "move responsibly" by protecting the military present in the area and the "freedom of trade routes," the Prime Minister added. "Any attempt to unilaterally alter the transit rules in the Strait is unacceptable," she emphasized.blackmail logic”, Hormuz “is not just about Hormuz” and therefore “a firm and responsible response from the international community is needed”.
To ensure circulation in the Strait “Italy is willing to contribute to the necessary international efforts, including the technical and operational ones essential for the full restoration of maritime traffic, but always in a post-conflict framework, with exclusively defensive purposes, in compliance with the Constitution and the prerogatives of Parliament, as also demonstrated by the reports from Ministers Tajani and Crosetto,” the Prime Minister stated.
Iran: "The EU must increase pressure with new measures."
“Il G7 Summit in Evian "Next week's meeting will be an important opportunity to discuss with our partners – starting, of course, with US President Donald Trump – the prospects for this crisis, as well as the one in Ukraine, and the initiatives needed to consolidate any possible diplomatic progress," Giorgia Meloni said in the Chamber of Deputies. "After the European Council," she added, "we will work to ensure the Union expresses a common position, serious, credible.” “Europe has the tools to have its say, starting with the sanctions regime. If Iran demonstrates with facts that it wants to return to a serious, verifiable, and constructive path, Europe must be ready to accompany that path with a gradual and reversible, but also rapid, easing of sanctions. If, however, Tehran continues on the wrong path—threatening freedom of navigation, attacks, supporting militias, violating international obligations—then'The European Union must be ready to step up the pressure, also through new targeted measures".
Meloni: "Yes to sanctions against settlers and Ben Gvir"
The Prime Minister then spoke about the attacks on UNIFIL in Lebanon, calling them "unacceptable." "Whoever attacks or threatens UNIFIL It doesn't just affect a United Nations mission, it affects the international community," said Meloni, who then touched on another sensitive topic: relations with Israel.
“Not only for what is happening in Lebanon, but also for the situation in Gaza and the West Bank"It's clear that the European Council will have to reflect on the direction of relations between the European Union and Israel," said the Prime Minister. "On this point," she added, "I would like, for once, a discussion here that goes beyond the emphasis of facile polemics, which certainly generates immediate returns in terms of visibility, but doesn't reflect the strategic importance of the issue for Italy."
“Italy intends to support measures against those like violent settlers who foment hatredor extremism. How Minister Ben Gvir, whom we asked to sanction "After the unacceptable behavior toward Italian citizens. I take this opportunity to reject the statements made by the minister himself, which are unacceptable for Italy and undignified for Israel," he stated.
Meloni: "We will work with the EU to define the measures that can be financed with flexibility."
"The new aspect of the upcoming Council is that for the first time, the figures for the next MFF will be discussed, and so it's worth reiterating at least three concepts that are fundamental to us. First, we will not accept a budget that, despite increased contributions, risks Italy having fewer resources available. Second, the so-called rebates must be eliminated. "If this anachronistic system is maintained, we will demand that Italy, as the third-largest net contributor to the EU budget, enjoy the same privilege. Third, anyone who wants to finance new priorities by cutting traditional policies must look elsewhere. For our part, we are ready to invest in competitiveness and defense, but this cannot be done at the expense of the CAP, Fisheries, or Cohesion," Meloni stated in the Chamber of Deputies.
“With pragmatism, in the coming weeks we will define, in close coordination with the European Commission, a basket of measures that can be financed thanks to flexibility "We have achieved this. And this will, among other things, allow us to lighten the national budget and provide more resources to support families and businesses in this difficult situation," explained the Prime Minister, who during her speech also referred to the EU's "conditionalities" on the disbursement of funds and investments. "We support clear rules, but we are not willing to hand over to anyone the tools of undue pressure on national governments," she said, emphasizing that "the EU cannot itself represent an obstacle to its own industry" in a world where "the US and China" are racing.
Meloni on energy: "Energy produced from renewables reaches an all-time high, €14 billion to mitigate prices."
On the topic of energy, Meloni defined nuclear power as "the real solution to our energy dependence in the medium to long term," then taking a dig at the opposition on renewables. With our government, we have achieved the all-time high of electricity produced from renewable sourcesI know, it may be annoying. Moreover, I recall that last Monday the Commission approved an additional €23 billion in state aid to support domestic electricity generation from renewable sources. These plants are expected to add a total of 37,15 GW of electricity generation capacity, an increase of 48% on current renewable energy capacity,” the Prime Minister said.
Meloni also explained that “The possibility of activating the so-called 'National Escape Clause' on a voluntary basis will allow us to invest 14 billion of euros, in the next three years, for mitigate the impact of rising prices energy, which particularly affects vulnerable families and energy-intensive businesses, but more generally all Italians." "This is a very important result," he continued, "one that many considered impossible, but which we achieved, demonstrating Italy's ability to assert its interests in Europe and to propose effective and common-sense solutions. Here too," he added, "I have heard surreal controversies, often based on unfounded claims, as often happens when arguments are scarce. Our government's position on some Green Deal measures is well-known and has not changed."
