Macron and Meloni Strengthen Ties Amidst Growing Challenges
The French President and Italian Prime Minister discuss shared goals for Europe following recent tensions.
President Emmanuel Macron of France and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized their strong common ground during a meeting in Rome, as recently reported by the Élysée Palace.
The discussion took place against a backdrop of increasing bilateral tensions concerning issues such as the Ukraine conflict, trade, and relations with the United States.
According to the Élysée, both leaders expressed a commitment to bolstering their joint engagement towards a more sovereign, stronger, and prosperous Europe.
The talks highlighted significant convergence on the European agenda of competitiveness and prosperity.
Macron and Meloni also delved into security challenges facing Europe, focusing on transatlantic relations as well as trade and economic security within the European Union.
Following their discussions, it was announced that the next bilateral summit would be hosted in France at the beginning of 2026, which would allow for an updated review of bilateral cooperation objectives under the Quirinal Treaty.
The paths of Macron and Meloni have diverged in recent months, particularly regarding attitudes towards the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
Meloni, whose country maintains a significant trade surplus with the U.S., advocates for continued European alignment with the United States, coining the phrase "Make the West Great Again" during an April meeting with Trump in Washington.
In contrast, Macron supports a vision of a more independent European Union.
On the topic of Ukraine, Meloni has publicly voiced skepticism regarding Macron's proposed 'coalition of volunteers' and the Franco-British plan for deploying peacekeeping troops to the country post-conflict with Russia, a proposal that has raised concerns within Italy.
The evolution of the relationship between the two leaders reflects their differing political backgrounds; Macron’s pro-European stance is set against Meloni’s nationalist and pro-transatlantic inclinations.
In recent weeks, their disagreements have become increasingly apparent, with criticism directed at Meloni for not traveling to Kyiv alongside Macron and other European leaders on May 10, and for missing a phone call with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a summit in Albania.
Meloni defended her absence by claiming the discussions focused on troop deployments in Ukraine, while Macron publicly corrected her by stating that the intent was to discuss achieving a ceasefire, leading to tensions as this was perceived in Rome as a comparison to Russian disinformation.
Initiating the recent meeting, Macron sought to downplay any disagreements, stating the gathering, including a working dinner with no press present, aimed to demonstrate mutual respect and friendship.
Italian officials prior to the meeting expressed intentions to lay the groundwork for enhanced relations, mentioning that the situation in the Middle East and Libya would also be on the agenda.
Both Italy and France are concerned about the possibility of Russia expanding its influence in eastern Libya following the late 2024 fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, a close ally of Moscow, potentially threatening Mediterranean stability.
As articulated by Francesco Galietti, CEO of the consultancy firm Policy Sonar in Rome, the encounter between Macron and Meloni primarily addresses pressing necessities rather than rekindling historical Franco-Italian friendships, indicating that both nations should swiftly find common ground on Libyan affairs.
The discussion took place against a backdrop of increasing bilateral tensions concerning issues such as the Ukraine conflict, trade, and relations with the United States.
According to the Élysée, both leaders expressed a commitment to bolstering their joint engagement towards a more sovereign, stronger, and prosperous Europe.
The talks highlighted significant convergence on the European agenda of competitiveness and prosperity.
Macron and Meloni also delved into security challenges facing Europe, focusing on transatlantic relations as well as trade and economic security within the European Union.
Following their discussions, it was announced that the next bilateral summit would be hosted in France at the beginning of 2026, which would allow for an updated review of bilateral cooperation objectives under the Quirinal Treaty.
The paths of Macron and Meloni have diverged in recent months, particularly regarding attitudes towards the potential return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
Meloni, whose country maintains a significant trade surplus with the U.S., advocates for continued European alignment with the United States, coining the phrase "Make the West Great Again" during an April meeting with Trump in Washington.
In contrast, Macron supports a vision of a more independent European Union.
On the topic of Ukraine, Meloni has publicly voiced skepticism regarding Macron's proposed 'coalition of volunteers' and the Franco-British plan for deploying peacekeeping troops to the country post-conflict with Russia, a proposal that has raised concerns within Italy.
The evolution of the relationship between the two leaders reflects their differing political backgrounds; Macron’s pro-European stance is set against Meloni’s nationalist and pro-transatlantic inclinations.
In recent weeks, their disagreements have become increasingly apparent, with criticism directed at Meloni for not traveling to Kyiv alongside Macron and other European leaders on May 10, and for missing a phone call with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a summit in Albania.
Meloni defended her absence by claiming the discussions focused on troop deployments in Ukraine, while Macron publicly corrected her by stating that the intent was to discuss achieving a ceasefire, leading to tensions as this was perceived in Rome as a comparison to Russian disinformation.
Initiating the recent meeting, Macron sought to downplay any disagreements, stating the gathering, including a working dinner with no press present, aimed to demonstrate mutual respect and friendship.
Italian officials prior to the meeting expressed intentions to lay the groundwork for enhanced relations, mentioning that the situation in the Middle East and Libya would also be on the agenda.
Both Italy and France are concerned about the possibility of Russia expanding its influence in eastern Libya following the late 2024 fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, a close ally of Moscow, potentially threatening Mediterranean stability.
As articulated by Francesco Galietti, CEO of the consultancy firm Policy Sonar in Rome, the encounter between Macron and Meloni primarily addresses pressing necessities rather than rekindling historical Franco-Italian friendships, indicating that both nations should swiftly find common ground on Libyan affairs.