Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has taken a strong stand against excessive EU regulations and mass immigration, vowing to prevent Brussels from stifling its own potential. Speaking before Italian lawmakers, she warned that Europe’s survival depends on economic strength, border security, and a more pragmatic approach to defense.
Meloni, addressing the Senate after a three-month absence, laid out her administration’s priorities—focusing on economic competitiveness, trade policies, migration, and global security, particularly the war in Ukraine.
“If Europe keeps drowning itself in endless regulations instead of unleashing its true potential, it simply won’t last,” she cautioned, ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels.
Determined to stop the EU from being crushed under its own bureaucratic weight, she stressed that true competitiveness lies in the ability of nations to provide superior public services. Economic stagnation, she argued, would diminish Europe’s global influence, questioning: “How can an industrially weakened Europe that lags in research and technology expect to be taken seriously?”
On trade, she warned against a reactionary approach, noting that while tariffs on non-EU goods might seem beneficial, the deep economic ties between Europe and the U.S. complicate the situation. She also urged caution in escalating trade tensions with Washington, arguing that retaliatory measures against Donald Trump’s policies could trigger a damaging spiral where everyone loses.
Migration remained a central theme, with Meloni doubling down on her administration’s stance against illegal crossings and human trafficking. She firmly stated, “The only real way to save lives is to cut off the traffickers’ business and curb illegal departures.” She also pointed to Italy’s migration agreement with Albania as a model that should inspire broader European action.
Shifting to security, Meloni called for a comprehensive European defense strategy that extends beyond stockpiling weapons. “We need to do much more—fight terrorism, secure our borders, and strengthen cybersecurity,” she argued. “Without defense, there’s no security. And without security, there’s no freedom.”
She also criticized the EU’s proposed ReArm Europe initiative—a massive €800 billion plan to bolster military capabilities—arguing that its branding was misleading. “This isn’t just about buying weapons. It’s about producing them, investing in our own capabilities, and ensuring Europe is self-reliant,” she clarified.
Regarding Ukraine, Meloni reiterated Italy’s unwavering commitment, condemning Russia’s aggression while supporting efforts to end the conflict. She suggested that the current military deadlock could open the door to peace negotiations and welcomed diplomatic efforts from former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Meloni also pushed back against claims that Italy must choose between aligning with the EU or the U.S., dismissing such arguments as politically motivated distractions. “Anyone insisting on this false choice is either fueling domestic controversies or failing to grasp that America’s election campaign is over,” she remarked.
Addressing concerns that increased defense spending could come at the cost of essential public services, she called such claims “a gross oversimplification.” The real issue, she argued, wasn’t defense investments but financial mismanagement over the years: “Let’s be clear—the reason we lack resources for healthcare, education, and welfare isn’t because we spend on defense, but because of past policies that squandered billions.”
Meloni’s speech made it clear: Italy isn’t backing down. Whether it’s resisting overreach from Brussels, reinforcing national security, or shaping the future of European leadership, her government is committed to taking a bold and decisive approach.
