Diplomatic meeting: Meloni and Macron strive to restart!

Diplomatic meeting: Meloni and Macron strive to restart!

Rom, Italien - Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni received French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday evening in Rome. The visit took place in Palazzo Chigi's seat of government and marked a significant diplomatic step because the relationship between France and Italy was tense in recent years. Meloni and Macron smiled in front of the cameras before entering a bilateral conversation that ended with a joint working dinner.

A central concern of the meeting was the situation in Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and the US tariffs. This conversation was regarded as a diplomatic restart between the two countries, especially after the mood triggered by Macron's Kiev trip in mid-May, Meloni did not take part. This absence created discomfort in Meloni, the emphasized that her decision was self -determined and that it was not left.

challenges in bilateral relationships

The talks between Meloni and Macron were not without conflicts. There was disagreement especially with regard to dealing with the US tariffs. Meloni advocated compromise with the USA, while Macron called for a harder course of the EU Commission. The Italian Prime Minister is also accused of a critical attitude to the invitation of Macron to the Ukrainian President Selenskyj, which took place without the integration of other EU heads of state.

The Italian press used the term "thawing" to describe the current state of Italian-French relationships. Despite the improved communication on Tuesday, the relationship is characterized by tensions, which are particularly due to differences in Ukraine policy. Macron calls for a more active role in Europe, while Meloni is skeptical about the sending of Italian soldiers.

history and economic connections

France and Italy are close neighboring countries and founding members of the European Union, with a long history of strong economic, cultural and historical connections. These connections were recently strengthened by the signing of the Quirinal Treaty in November 2021, which came into force on February 1, 2023. The contract confirms the will to strengthen cooperation at various levels.

Traditionally, annual bilateral summit meets between the two countries, most recently in February 2020 in Naples. These meet joint projects in various areas. Economic relationships are also significant: in 2020 the trade turnover was 71.3 billion euros. France is the second largest buyer and supplier of Italy, while Italy acts as the third largest supplier in France. In addition, numerous Italian companies are active in France, and conversely there is an important French community in Italy.

The upcoming NATO and G7 summit meetings could offer additional opportunities to further advance bilateral relationships and to overcome the differences between the two countries. It remains to be seen whether the meeting between Meloni and Macron can actually be seen as a turning point in the relationship between the neighbors or whether deeper trenches remain.

OE24 reports , Berliner Zeitung reports , Diplomacy reports .