Meloni Supports Vance's Criticism of the EU
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her support for US Vice President J. D. Vance’s sharp critique of Washington's European allies, delivered during his keynote address at the annual Munich Security Conference last month. Vance...
TroibNews 
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed her support for US Vice President J. D. Vance’s sharp critique of Washington's European allies, delivered during his keynote address at the annual Munich Security Conference last month.
Vance asserted that the UK and several EU countries are not adequately upholding free speech and democratic values. In response, Meloni remarked to the Financial Times, “I have to say I agree. I’ve been saying this for years… Europe has a bit lost itself.” She suggested that Vance's criticism was aimed at a “ruling class” that imposes its ideology on ordinary citizens.
The Financial Times article highlighted Meloni's ideological similarities with former President Trump and showcased her divergence from other European leaders on critical issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have distanced themselves from Trump, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict, where the Biden administration is advocating for a ceasefire. Both Macron and Starmer are leading efforts to enhance support for the Ukrainian military and have proposed establishing a “reassurance force” in Ukraine. In response, Russia has warned against any NATO military presence in Ukraine, no matter the nature of that presence.
In contrast to Macron and Starmer, Meloni indicated that she does not aspire to be a “protagonist” on the world stage. While she did not directly challenge the assertion that Russia poses a threat necessitating military expansion across Europe, she highlighted that Rome acknowledges “threats can come from 360 degrees,” specifically referring to illegal migration across the Mediterranean, a pressing concern for Italy.
Meloni articulated, “If you simply think that you can defend yourself, taking care of the eastern flank, and you don’t consider for example what happens in the southern flank, you will have a problem.”
Russian officials deny any aggressive intentions toward NATO, framing the Ukraine conflict as a proxy war instigated by the alliance. Moscow has accused European leaders of undermining Trump’s efforts for mediation and preferring sustained conflict instead.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
Vance asserted that the UK and several EU countries are not adequately upholding free speech and democratic values. In response, Meloni remarked to the Financial Times, “I have to say I agree. I’ve been saying this for years… Europe has a bit lost itself.” She suggested that Vance's criticism was aimed at a “ruling class” that imposes its ideology on ordinary citizens.
The Financial Times article highlighted Meloni's ideological similarities with former President Trump and showcased her divergence from other European leaders on critical issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have distanced themselves from Trump, particularly regarding the Ukraine conflict, where the Biden administration is advocating for a ceasefire. Both Macron and Starmer are leading efforts to enhance support for the Ukrainian military and have proposed establishing a “reassurance force” in Ukraine. In response, Russia has warned against any NATO military presence in Ukraine, no matter the nature of that presence.
In contrast to Macron and Starmer, Meloni indicated that she does not aspire to be a “protagonist” on the world stage. While she did not directly challenge the assertion that Russia poses a threat necessitating military expansion across Europe, she highlighted that Rome acknowledges “threats can come from 360 degrees,” specifically referring to illegal migration across the Mediterranean, a pressing concern for Italy.
Meloni articulated, “If you simply think that you can defend yourself, taking care of the eastern flank, and you don’t consider for example what happens in the southern flank, you will have a problem.”
Russian officials deny any aggressive intentions toward NATO, framing the Ukraine conflict as a proxy war instigated by the alliance. Moscow has accused European leaders of undermining Trump’s efforts for mediation and preferring sustained conflict instead.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
