In the news: Giorgia Meloni in Brussels and Western Balkans
What happens when a former eurosceptic shapes herself as an europhile upon a visit to Brussels?
🇮🇹 Giorgia nel'Europa
For her first international travel, the newly elected Italian Prime Minister Giogia Meloni did not hesitate to go to the place she was least expected: Brussels, the capital city of the European Union.
After meeting with Macron a couple of weeks ago, Giorgia Meloni met yesterday the presidents of the three major European institutions.
For Politico, she “played nice on her first trip to Brussels Thursday— chatting amiably and smiling her way through a day of meetings with the leaders of a European Union.” According to herself, the objective of the visit was to “meet in person and dispel preconceptions about her”.
First, Giorgia Meloni had lunch at the Italian ambassador’s residence with EU Economy Commissioner and former Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.
Later that day, she hugged President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, shook hands with European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen before enjoying the tour of the Council Building with its Charles Michel, president of the third institution.
If the notorious eurosceptic Giorgia Meloni played an eager Europhile, she showed signed of divergence:
Speaking after the meetings, Meloni warned that Rome would “look out for its national interests in the EU” and listed several contentious issues on which she made Italy’s case. She touched on the pandemic recovery funds, stressing her determination to adapt the plan given her country’s “new priorities” — soaring energy prices, the war in Ukraine and rising migration. — Politico
One question that was not tackled is Italy’s recovery plan, for which the then-candidate Giorgia Meloni offered to renegociate. She told journalists that she is discussing with the European Union how to implement the plan in the light of rising inflation.
Yet, Euractiv hinted that Giorgia Meloni might try a different approach at European affairs, between preserving Italy’s national interests without isolating herself on the european stage.
The early indications are that Meloni’s government […] will not be as eurosceptic as her party has historically been.
In particular, the decision to appoint former EU Commissioner and EU Parliament President Antonio Tajani as Foreign Affairs Minister from Forza Italia, suggests a will to cooperate […]. — Euractiv
🇩🇪 Western Balkans agreements in Berlin
The leaders of the six non-EU Western Balkans countries signed two agreements in Berlin yesterday, before Olaf Scholz’s heavily-commented trip to China. Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel were present to the ceremony.
Scholz said that the six Western Balkans countries “belong to the free and democratic part of Europe,” as reported by Euractiv.
[…] The six countries reache agreements that will facilitate citizens’ free movement throughout the region and the mutual recognition of the professional qualifications of doctors, dentists and architects. — Euractiv
The signature of these agreement is essential in the stabilisation of the region, susceptible to Russian propaganda. It also allows for the cooling of relationship between former enemies.
A crucial Western Balkan summit will take place in Albania in December.
