Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warned that U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision regarding Russian oil could increase the revenues Moscow uses to finance the war in Ukraine.
Të lidhura
None found
She said the potential benefits of the agreement were uncertain, while its consequences could have a significant impact on the West’s policy toward Russia.
“The outcome of this choice is doubtful, while the risks are clear,” Meloni said. According to her, the decision risks legitimizing Moscow at a time when Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities are continuing.
The prime minister said that increased oil revenues could go toward financing the war. She also warned that easing restrictions could weaken the effect of Western sanctions against Russia.
Meloni added that the rise in fuel prices was mainly linked to the war in Iran, rather than the conflict in Ukraine.
In her speech, she also addressed spending on defense and security, rejecting claims that increasing it would reduce funding for public services such as healthcare and education.
According to Meloni, greater flexibility in financing defense creates opportunities to secure additional resources beyond Europe’s usual budgetary limits.
“Those who say that greater security means fewer hospitals and that resources are being taken away from essential services by a warmongering government are lying, knowing that they are doing so,” she declared.
Responding to the opposition, the prime minister recalled that previous governments had also approved significant increases in military spending, including during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Meloni said that the situation on the ground did not match Kremlin propaganda. She claimed that Russia had captured little territory since the beginning of the year and that in September it lost part of its previous gains.
She attributed this to the resistance of Ukrainian forces and assistance from Western countries. According to the prime minister, this support remains an important means of pushing Moscow toward serious negotiations.
“No one in this chamber wants war; we all want peace. The difference lies in how we believe we will get there,” Meloni said.
The prime minister called for the EU to take part in diplomatic efforts rather than remain a spectator. She proposed that the 27 member states appoint an authoritative figure, equipped with a common mandate, to represent Europe in negotiations.
Meloni also mentioned cooperation between France, Germany and the United Kingdom within the E3 format. She stressed that any diplomatic initiative aimed at speaking on behalf of European interests must have a clear mandate.
Another part of the speech focused on the Middle East, particularly Iran, the Persian Gulf and relations between Israel and Lebanon.
Meloni said that Italy supports lasting peace between Israel and Lebanon and is ready to engage again as a mediator in negotiations.
She raised the possibility of a joint Franco-Italian initiative after the end of the UNIFIL mission. The aim would be to help the Lebanese Armed Forces extend state control and sovereignty across the entire territory of Lebanon.
The prime minister also called for the strengthening of the European maritime mission Aspides, led by Italy, saying that more ships were needed to guarantee the safety of navigation.
According to her, free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb is a vital interest for Europe because of the role these corridors play in international trade and energy supplies.
As discussions on the EU’s next budget approach, Meloni said that Italy would not accept an agreement simply to meet a deadline.
She stressed that the goal of reaching an agreement by the end of the year should not take precedence over the content of the agreement and the concrete benefits for member states.
“We will not sign a useless agreement simply to meet a deadline. We will sign an agreement only when it is suitable for Italy,” the prime minister said.
Meloni expressed opposition to the new sources of revenue proposed by the European Commission. She rejected new taxes and called for the burden on national budgets to be kept as low as possible.
She also proposed considering a more gradual repayment of the debt from the “Next Generation EU” program, so that financial obligations would not hinder investment in other strategic areas.
