Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed President Joe Biden and other world leaders at the opening session of the G-7 summit in Italy on Thursday, against the backdrop of multiple global conflicts.
The summit, held in the southern Puglia region, brings together leaders from Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as representatives from the European Union (EU).
This meeting follows the recent EU elections, which saw Meloni’s Brothers of Italy Party secure a significant victory. This win is viewed as a major boost for Meloni, both domestically and on the international stage.
“The Italian prime minister arrived timidly on the international scene in 2022 because she knew the skepticism that existed in European capitals. Now after this victory in Europe, she feels Italy can relaunch the cards,” said Stefano Vaccara, founder of the digital daily La Voce di New York.
Meloni, who envisions a prominent role for Italy in Europe, aims to influence the EU’s direction and counts on a strong relationship with the U.S. Italy is positioning itself as a bridge between American and European interests, amidst a political landscape divided between far-right and center-right ideologies.
Meloni’s recent success stands in contrast to the setbacks faced by her European counterparts. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron both experienced significant losses to right-wing rivals. Scholz’s Social Democrats finished third in the polls, while Macron called for snap elections after his party was challenged by Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally.
“Clearly the results do show a rightward shift in European politics, and not just the populist right or extreme right but also the center-right has come out stronger,” said Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society.
As Italy’s first female prime minister, Meloni is poised to steer Europe towards her vision, having developed close ties with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Her government, in power since 2022, has been a strong ally to the United States and has played a leading role in supporting Ukraine, withdrawing from China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and maintaining robust U.S.-Italy relations.
Despite initial doubts about her due to her sympathies for Russia, Meloni has proven to be a reliable partner.
The G-7 summit will address a range of international issues, including climate change, African development, and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. The leaders are expected to focus heavily on the ongoing wars, with Biden proposing an additional $50 billion in aid for Ukraine and Meloni aligning with his stance.
The G7 summit addresses a number of international issues, including climate change, African development, and conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
The summit will end on June 15.
