EditMeloni calls for single EU negotiator on Ukraine and Middle East
The strongest criticism of the Italian PM was reserved for EU bureaucracy, the Green Deal and the Emissions Trading System
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for the appointment of a single, authoritative EU representative to negotiate on behalf of all member states in any peace talks on Ukraine and the Middle East.
In her address to the Chamber of Deputies ahead of the 18-19 June European Council, she urged Europe to take a more assertive geopolitical role while launching a sharp attack on EU bureaucracy, the implementation of the Green Deal, and excessive regulatory burdens.
Meloni outlined Italy’s positions on the key agenda items: the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), defence, migration, energy, and the European Semester. She repeatedly stressed the need for European unity and leadership rather than fragmented initiatives by smaller groups of countries.
Ukraine: full support and push for unified European representation
Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine, including continued military, financial, energy, and reconstruction support. “Our solidarity with Ukraine remains full, convinced, and concrete,” she said, arguing that sustained pressure on Russia is essential to create conditions for genuine negotiations.
Central to her message was the proposal for a single EU negotiator invested with a clear mandate from all member states. She argued that many aspects of any future settlement directly affect Europe and should therefore be handled collectively by Europeans, not through ad-hoc formats. “Coordination does not mean delegation,” she stressed. Meloni criticised smaller diplomatic groupings (such as those led by France, Germany, and the UK) as lacking legitimacy and risking fragmentation.
On enlargement, she backed Ukraine’s EU path but insisted on merit-based progress, equal treatment with Moldova and the Western Balkans, and continued reforms on rule of law and anti-corruption.
Middle East: diplomacy, freedom of navigation, and targeted sanctions
Meloni linked the Middle East crises to Italy’s strategic interests – freedom of navigation, energy security, supply chains, and the safety of Italian troops. She reiterated that Italy is not a party to the conflicts and does not wish to become one, but is ready to contribute to de-escalation and diplomatic solutions.
She again emphasised the need for a unified European voice and representation in any negotiations. On the Strait of Hormuz, blocked amid renewed US-Iran tensions, she declared any unilateral change to free transit rules “unacceptable.” Italy is prepared to support international efforts in a post-conflict defensive framework, respecting constitutional limits.
Regarding Iran, Meloni proposed a dual-track approach: gradual sanctions relief tied to verifiable progress in negotiations, or stronger targeted measures if Tehran continues to threaten key routes or international obligations. On Lebanon, she condemned attacks on UNIFIL, called for Hezbollah’s disarmament and Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and announced support for EU sanctions on violent settlers and Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
While acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the illegality of West Bank settlements, she opposed broader isolation of Israel or suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Defence spending, fiscal flexibility, and sharp Green Deal critique
Meloni defended higher defence expenditure as vital for strategic autonomy. Italy will reach 2.8% of GDP on defence and security at the upcoming NATO summit, largely through domestic spending. She welcomed greater EU budget flexibility via the National Escape Clause, which will free up €14 billion over three years to protect families and businesses from high energy costs.
Her strongest criticism was reserved for the Green Deal and Emissions Trading System. She accused the Commission of undermining the political direction set by EU leaders through overly complex delegated acts and “surreal interpretations” by bureaucrats. Political agreements reached after long negotiations must be respected, she said, calling for simplification to boost investment and growth.
Meloni promoted a balanced national energy mix that includes nuclear power as a long-term solution to reduce dependence, alongside renewables and biofuels. On trade, she called for robust EU tools against unfair practices while defending national sovereignty on issues such as foreign investment screening. She highlighted the Mattei Plan as a strategic partnership framework with African and resource-rich countries.
Overall, Meloni’s speech reinforced a consistent approach: stronger, unified European geopolitical action paired with firm defence of national prerogatives on economic policy, regulation, and fiscal matters. Her push for a single EU negotiator on Ukraine and the Middle East appear as a confirmation that the current diplomatic service led by Kaja Kallas needs overhaul.
EU pushes major overhaul of its diplomatic service amid leadership jealousies
The article in Italian by EUalive’s partner FocusEurope.it can be found here.
Caption: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reacts while reporting to the Senate on the upcoming European Council meeting in Rome, Italy, 11 June 2026. EPA/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI
Updated: June 12, 2026 - 07:53
