Meloni-Macron, three hours of face-to-face talks to seal peace

The "unwavering" support for Ukraine and the "strong convergence" to accelerate the European agenda for competitiveness, from automotive to energy. And the mutual commitment to "coordinate their positions" on transatlantic relations and on the "economic and commercial security of the European Union". Read in the general relations with Donald Trump on all dossiers, first and foremost duties. Without rushing ahead, on anyone's part. The face-to-face meeting between Giorgia Meloni and Emmanuel Macron lasted longer than expected the day before, about three hours. It concluded after a dinner - which would have been appreciated by the French delegation - with a joint one-page statement that goes into detail on common European interests and is very concise, however, in the passage on the Middle East (where neither Israel nor Gaza are explicitly mentioned). Meanwhile, the long-awaited reference to the Quirinale Treaty that came into force in 2023 and which will instead be the subject of an "update of objectives" starting from the next bilateral meeting, already set for early 2026, this time in Paris. The French president arrives at Palazzo Chigi a quarter of an hour late on the agenda. In the meantime, in front of the red carpet, there is a continuous series of shots and flashes.

"It's the parterre of great occasions, there is a lot of interest in this bilateral meeting" jokes Giorgia Meloni, addressing the "platoon" of photographers shortly before welcoming Macron. With big smiles, hands clasped for a long time, kisses on the cheeks and a few words whispered in the ear. What divided them was above all the attitude to be taken with the American administration, on duties as well as on the fate of Kiev, for which the two in the joint note hope for "a fair and lasting solution". No mention of security guarantees for Ukraine or formats, such as that of the "willing", with which to approach at an international level the path towards peace on which in recent months the distances between Rome and Paris had been measured. And precisely to smooth out differences that have been difficult to resolve until now, and to verify that it is possible to "proceed together on essential issues", as the Elysée had announced on the eve, the French president had promoted his visit to Italy. Dedicated exclusively to the bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister - which lasts "a long time" as noted by the government's higher-ups.

The conversation between the two was frank, and the prime minister, according to Meloni's supporters, asked the head of a nation she called "friend", as well as ally, to avoid further episodes, such as the now infamous photo of Tirana, which made the clash clear. "Equal dignity" if you want to get along, was the message delivered to the French president, who stayed at Palazzo Chigi until late in the evening. Then she left for Paris, without making any statements to the press. Shortly before receiving the Frenchman, Meloni had had an exchange of about an hour with Robert Fico. On Gaza and the need for a "ceasefire" that is equally valid for Kiev. And that not all European countries, in the view of the Slovakian prime minister, seem to really want, convinced that "continuing the war is the way to damage Russia". The prime minister had also spoken with the nationalist leader of Bratislava about the Conference for the reconstruction of Ukraine - which will be held in Rome in July - for which she is confident in a large international presence. Maybe even Macron himself. A "more sovereign, stronger and more prosperous Europe, above all oriented towards peace and capable of defending its interests and protecting its citizens" is the perspective that the two share "faithful to their role as founding nations", as can be read in the statement. Which specifies that there is "strong convergence" on the new EU agenda, to accelerate "on regulatory simplification, on public and private investments, on energy and on the full application of the principle of technological neutrality". But also on sectors in transition (in addition to the car industry, the steel industry is mentioned) and on "the most advanced ones, such as artificial intelligence, decarbonized renewable energy sources such as nuclear, and space". There will also be collaboration "on the next multiannual financial framework, on migration, on enlargement and on reforms".