Portrait of Giorgia Meloni
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Giorgia Meloni on European Union (EU) Stance

Eurorealist stance (strong) Position evolved

Giorgia Meloni describes her position on the European Union (EU) as 'Eurorealist', a term she prefers over the more charged Eurosceptic label, though she maintains clear Eurosceptic views.

Her vision for the EU is one centered on a confederal Europe of sovereign nations, suggesting a fundamental restructuring of the bloc away from federalism. Meloni has historically advocated for improvements in EU relations, often campaigning on reducing European bureaucracy.

Despite her historical criticisms, upon taking office as Prime Minister, Meloni has engaged pragmatically with Brussels, meeting with key EU leaders and participating in summits, indicating a willingness to work within the existing framework for Italian national interests. This engagement suggests a pragmatic application of her Eurorealist principles.

Timeline

  1. Meloni ran unsuccessfully for the European Parliament as the leader of Brothers of Italy (FdI).
  2. As part of the centre-right coalition, FdI campaigned on a Eurosceptic platform, placing the party in right-wing populist positions alongside Matteo Salvini's Lega.
  3. Meloni assumed the presidency of the European Conservatives and Reformists Party (ECR), aligning FdI with a group that advocates for reform within the EU framework.
  4. Following her election victory, Meloni emphasized her commitment to NATO and Atlanticism, while reaffirming her Eurorealist stance towards the EU.
  5. Meloni met with EU leaders like Ursula von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Brussels shortly after becoming Prime Minister, demonstrating high-level engagement.
  6. Meloni criticized the EU's ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, arguing it would create new strategic dependencies, such as China's electric vehicles.

Actions Taken

  1. Political Campaigning
    Led her party, FdI, to stand on a platform advocating for less European bureaucracy during the 2022 general election campaign.
  2. Bilateral/EU Engagement
    Engaged in high-level meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other EU officials to discuss energy crises and migration management, such as the agreement signed with Tunisia.
  3. Domestic Constitutional Reform
    Pushed for a constitutional reform ('premierato') aiming to directly elect the prime minister, which alters the balance of power within the Italian state structure, often implicitly contrasted with EU institutional models.

Key Quotes

No to mass migration, no to big international finance, no to the bureaucrats of Brussels.

Vox party congress speech October 1, 2021 — Stating key areas of opposition during a speech to a Spanish far-right party.

She rejects the Eurosceptic label, favouring the Eurorealism of a confederal Europe of sovereign nations.

Contextual reporting on her post-election positioning January 1, 2022 — Describing her preferred self-identification regarding the EU.

I shared the experiences and values of the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom, Likud in Israel, and the Republican Party in the United States.

Statement to the foreign press January 1, 2022 — Used to moderate her image ahead of the general election.

Related Positions

  • Foreign Policy - Ukraine Her strong support for Ukraine post-invasion has aligned her with the mainstream EU consensus on Russia, tempering earlier Eurosceptic lines.
  • Immigration and Multiculturalism Her strong opposition to mass migration and desire for 'fortress Europe' border policies aligns with the right-wing/nationalist factions within the EU political landscape.
  • National Sovereignty Her push for the 'premierato' constitutional reform emphasizes a focus on national sovereignty, a core element of her 'Eurorealist' critique of perceived EU overreach.

Comparison

  • Historical Stance vs. Current Role: Meloni transitioned from a more radically Eurosceptic opposition stance, which included previous advocacy for leaving the Eurozone, to a more pragmatic, 'Eurorealist' governance role after becoming Prime Minister in 2022.
  • Relationship with Other Leaders: Her alignment with leaders like Viktor Orbán suggests shared critiques of EU federalism, while her cooperation with Ursula von der Leyen shows a willingness to collaborate on specific files like migration and Ukraine support.