Published on :
For her first trip abroad, the new Prime Minister in Italy, Georgia Meloni, went to Brussels on Thursday 3 November to meet the leaders of the European Union. Has this visit smoothed the corners between these leaders and the Italian Prime Minister?
Rather, we have witnessed a first round of observation between the post-fascist leader and the leaders of the European Union. From his election a month ago, Georgia Meloni has adopted the strategy followed by other nationalist and populist movements in Europe and around the world: first, deny any affiliation with openly far-right parties or leaders, even if it means going back to past acts or speeches. Georgia Meloni explained her disgust for Mussolini.
Hence, it shows a position of dialogue and pragmatism. Georgia Meloni, on her first visit abroad, he therefore chose Brusselsthe capital of this Europe which, however, does not hesitate to denigrate, considering for example that the European Union “ you don’t have to worry about what Roma can do better “.
From the European side, we expected the Italian leader with solid foundations, but without even wanting to enter into comparison. In particular, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who before the last elections had threatened Italy with serious consequences if she saw herself ” deviations from democratic principles “By implication, the coalition led by Georgia Meloni was clearly targeted. And this caused a stir in Italy.
This November 3, at the end of the meeting between the two women, there was talk of “ constructive dialogue », Who in diplomatic language, does not eat bread and above all does not insult the future.
► Also read: Giorgia Meloni in Brussels: forced draw for the Italian leader
Tactical attention on both sides
For Europeans, Italy shouldn’t be targeted immediately for several reasons. First of all Georgia Meloni, unlike her allies Matteo Salvini and Silvio Berlusconi, it remains on the Atlantic line and steadfastly towards Russia – which in the current context is very important for the unity of Europe in the face of Vladimir Putin.
Subsequently, it continues in line with its predecessor on the energy issue: like Mario Draghi, he advocates a European approach to combat rising gas prices – unlike theGermany, which for the moment is getting by on its own. Finally, Brussels wants to prevent Italy from joining the camp of the two illiberal and rebellious countries that worry it, namely Hungary and Poland.
Georgia Meloni, for her part, knows that her country must be the main beneficiary of the European post-Covid-19 recovery fund. A boon of 200 billion euros, almost 10% of the Italian GDP, which will be welcome. No waves, so for now this jackpot is worth a few smiles in Brussels. The troublesome topic remains: migratory flows. Georgia Meloni has remained firm on the subject, but without going further.
So far, therefore, between Rome and Brussels, everything is – more or less – well. I hope it lasts …
► Also read: With Giorgia Meloni, where is Italy positioned today on the European chessboard?
