Meloni’s policy on Europe
Giorgia Meloni's policy on the European Union is a blend of pragmatism and a "Europe of nations" vision, shifting from pre-election Euroscepticism to a more cooperative stance focused on specific national priorities.
Her policy emphasizes an EU that is more focused on its core functions like security and defense, where member states maintain national identity, and less involved in other areas.
Key goals include more EU-level action on migration, more flexible fiscal rules, and increased strategic autonomy for Europe, particularly in defense, to be less reliant on the U.S..
Key policy points
EU reform: Meloni advocates for an EU that does "less, but does it better," suggesting a clearer division of powers where the EU handles executive functions like security and immigration, while allowing member states more control over other areas.
Migration: She has made migration a central part of her strategy, pushing for more EU-level solutions to reduce the number of migrants arriving in Italy, and has taken concrete steps like the "modello Albania" agreement to process asylum claims outside of EU territory.
Strategic autonomy: She believes the EU must take greater responsibility for its own defense and security, arguing it can no longer rely entirely on the United States and must build a stronger "European pillar of NATO".
Fiscal and economic policy: While her government has had to navigate economic realities, she has pursued more flexible EU fiscal rules and greater use of joint EU borrowing to address external shocks. She has also focused on implementing Italy's Recovery and Resilience Plan to access EU funds.
Relationship with the EU: Meloni's approach is marked by a balancing act between her nationalist-conservative roots and the pragmatic necessity of cooperating with EU institutions to benefit Italy. She has softened her public rhetoric toward the EU to maintain credibility and ensure the flow of funds from the EU's recovery fund.
Her policy emphasizes an EU that is more focused on its core functions like security and defense, where member states maintain national identity, and less involved in other areas.
Key goals include more EU-level action on migration, more flexible fiscal rules, and increased strategic autonomy for Europe, particularly in defense, to be less reliant on the U.S..
Key policy points
EU reform: Meloni advocates for an EU that does "less, but does it better," suggesting a clearer division of powers where the EU handles executive functions like security and immigration, while allowing member states more control over other areas.
Migration: She has made migration a central part of her strategy, pushing for more EU-level solutions to reduce the number of migrants arriving in Italy, and has taken concrete steps like the "modello Albania" agreement to process asylum claims outside of EU territory.
Strategic autonomy: She believes the EU must take greater responsibility for its own defense and security, arguing it can no longer rely entirely on the United States and must build a stronger "European pillar of NATO".
Fiscal and economic policy: While her government has had to navigate economic realities, she has pursued more flexible EU fiscal rules and greater use of joint EU borrowing to address external shocks. She has also focused on implementing Italy's Recovery and Resilience Plan to access EU funds.
Relationship with the EU: Meloni's approach is marked by a balancing act between her nationalist-conservative roots and the pragmatic necessity of cooperating with EU institutions to benefit Italy. She has softened her public rhetoric toward the EU to maintain credibility and ensure the flow of funds from the EU's recovery fund.
26-30, F
