Italy and Germany Agree on New Plan for a Strong, Autonomous Europe
Political
Italy and Germany have agreed in Rome on a new strategic cooperation plan aimed at strengthening industrial competitiveness, developing defense, energy, and migration policies, while maintaining a strong transatlantic link with the United States.
On Friday, the Italy–Germany intergovernmental summit took place in Rome. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor/party leader Friedrich Merz agreed on a new plan for strategic cooperation. The main topics included EU strategic autonomy, enhancing industrial competitiveness—particularly in the automotive sector—and joint initiatives in defense, energy, and migration.
Giorgia Meloni emphasized: “We must build an authoritative, competitive Europe with its own strategic autonomy. Italy and Germany carry special responsibility at this stage of history: the EU must be the main actor in shaping its own destiny.”
Friedrich Merz noted that Italy and Germany have never been closer after 75 years of diplomatic relations. “Europe must now focus on the most important matters,” he said, citing Ukraine, energy, and strengthening NATO.
In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed the fundamental importance of the transatlantic link between Europe and the U.S., based on shared values and international law principles, including territorial integrity and sovereignty, specifically mentioning Ukraine and Greenland.
During the summit, seven bilateral agreements were signed covering agriculture, culture, mining, technology, and universities. Additionally, two key declarations were signed: a political declaration on security, defense, and cybersecurity, and the updated 2023 Italy-Germany action plan for strategic cooperation with the EU. The document highlights the need for the EU to increase its capacity to act as a strong geopolitical player while admitting new members and maintaining effective functionality.
Giorgia Meloni emphasized: “We must build an authoritative, competitive Europe with its own strategic autonomy. Italy and Germany carry special responsibility at this stage of history: the EU must be the main actor in shaping its own destiny.”
Friedrich Merz noted that Italy and Germany have never been closer after 75 years of diplomatic relations. “Europe must now focus on the most important matters,” he said, citing Ukraine, energy, and strengthening NATO.
In a joint statement, the leaders reaffirmed the fundamental importance of the transatlantic link between Europe and the U.S., based on shared values and international law principles, including territorial integrity and sovereignty, specifically mentioning Ukraine and Greenland.
During the summit, seven bilateral agreements were signed covering agriculture, culture, mining, technology, and universities. Additionally, two key declarations were signed: a political declaration on security, defense, and cybersecurity, and the updated 2023 Italy-Germany action plan for strategic cooperation with the EU. The document highlights the need for the EU to increase its capacity to act as a strong geopolitical player while admitting new members and maintaining effective functionality.
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