Support total to Kiev, but no Italian soldiers in Ukraine and maximum caution on Russian assetsThis is the line reiterated by Giorgia Meloni to the Camera in view of the European Council of the December 18 and 19 in Brussels: unwavering political and financial aid, pressure on Moscow to reach credible negotiations, and decisions regarding frozen assets only with a solid legal basis, so as not to "give Russia a victory."
Meloni: Full support for Kiev, but Italy will not send troops to Ukraine
Meloni reiterated that Italy will not send soldiers to Ukraine, while confirming political and financial support for Kiev: "We do not intend to abandon Kiev to its fate. This is an extremely complex negotiation, which cannot ignore Russia's willingness to contribute to the negotiating process in a fair and constructive manner." The prime minister emphasized that Moscow's demands are "unreasonable," referring in particular to Russia's request for Donbass, and recalled that "the only thing that can force Russia to reach an agreement is to insist on deterrence."
Peace in Ukraine: "Europe and the United States are not competitors."
For the Prime Minister, the path towards peace in Ukraine "cannot ignore the strict link between Europe and the United States, that I am not a competitor In this matter, it is expected that they share the same objective." He added that it is essential to "strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position, which is achieved above all by making it clear that we do not intend to abandon Ukraine to its fate in the most delicate phase of recent years" and to "protect Europe's interests, which cannot be ignored, given the support guaranteed since the beginning of the conflict and the risks it would run if Russia emerged strengthened." Finally, he stressed the importance of "maintaining pressure on Russia," making "the war not advantageous for Moscow."
Security guarantees and the role of allies
About security guaranteesMeloni specified that three elements are under discussion: the guarantee of a solid Ukrainian army, the possibility of deploying a multinational force in Ukraine led by the so-called coalition of the willing with voluntary participation from each country, and guarantees from international allies, starting with the United States, modeled on Article 5 of the Atlantic Pact, "an option that you all remember was proposed by Italy itself, demonstrating our nation's active contribution to the goal of a just and lasting peace."
Meloni: "Russia will pay for Kiev's reconstruction."
The Prime Minister also recalled that "Italy obviously considers sacrosanct the principle according to which priority must be given to the Russia a pay for the reconstruction of the nation that attacked, but this result must be achieved on a solid legal basis” and reiterated that “our aid to Ukraine will never be called into question”, underlining the need to “seek the most effective solution to maintain the balance between concrete support for Ukraine and respect for the principles of legality, sustainability and financial stability”, specifying that these are “complex decisions, which cannot be forced”.
The slowdown in Russian assets: "Finding a solution won't be easy."
On the topic of Russian assets frozen, Meloni observed that “finding a sustainable solution will be anything but simple"Italy has decided not to withhold its support for the regulation that established the immobilization of Russian assets" but without "yet endorsing any decision on their use: we did so despite not agreeing with the method used." She reiterated that "decisions of this legal, financial, and institutional significance, as well as that of the possible use of frozen assets, can only be taken at the leadership level: this will ensure the continuity of financial support for the next two years, identifying the most sustainable solution for member states in the short and long term." The Prime Minister also defined it as "short-sighted" to focus attention on "a single entity holding frozen assets, namely the Belgium, when other partner nations also have assets tied up in their financial systems.”
Migration and the Albanian model
On the migration front, the Prime Minister defended the so-called "Albania model”: “The centers in Albania will work, whether the left of all stripes likes it or not.” According to Meloni, the results obtained so far demonstrate that international cooperation reduces the influx and risk of mortality, confirming the validity of the strategy adopted by the government.
Economy and tax pressure
On the domestic front, Meloni spoke about employment growth and an increase in tax revenue"Tax revenues rise not only when taxes on workers and families are raised, but also because a million more people are working and paying taxes today." The Prime Minister also emphasized that "the risk of poverty is decreasing with this government," emphasizing the government's economic performance.
Mercosur and the protection of farmers
About theEU-Mercosur trade agreementMeloni clarified that Italy does not intend to block the agreement, but wants to "complete the package of guarantees for farmers" before signing it. "If this takes more weeks, we will take them," she added, emphasizing the importance of protecting Italian exports and protected designations of origin.
Europe, the Balkans and geopolitical strategy
Meloni reiterated the need to accelerate the accession of the Western Balkans to the European Union"We cannot afford to further delay the accession of the Western Balkans, which is crucial to our strategic autonomy." The Prime Minister emphasized that the progress made by Albania and Montenegro is "encouraging" and demonstrates the possibility of early accession.
Environment and technological innovation
Sulla ecological transitionMeloni claimed a pragmatic and flexible approach: “The efforts made have opened a breach in the wall of green dogmatism, greater flexibility and the principle of neutrality are welcome tecnologicaThe government's goal is to ensure sustainability without compromising industrial competitiveness, especially in the automotive and renewable energy sectors.
Relations with the United States and the Middle East
The Prime Minister also reiterated the importance of ties with the United States and relations with the Gulf: "The Gulf increasingly sees Italy as a gateway to Europe", proposing the creation of a new forum for cooperation between Mediterranean e Middle East. On the question Palestinian, Meloni stressed the need for a concrete commitment to peace, with full humanitarian access and disarmament of Hamas, also recalling the cooperation with Abu Mazen: “The Palestinian president has asked for a strong and ambitious Italian commitment, and Italy cannot shirk this role.”
Meloni asserts the government's unity: "We're co-protagonists in Europe."
Closing her speech, Meloni reiterated trust and compactness of the governmentThis is a European Council full of challenges, which we will address as befits a great nation that plays a key role in Europe. My back is not only supported by a parliamentary vote, but by what Italy represents.
In a heated debate with the opposition, the prime minister also underscored the difference between the government and those who present more contradictory lines: "I'm always ready to leave if I can. I'm not worried about being in opposition, I'm worried about a prime minister who goes to Brussels with five resolutions."
