Giorgia Meloni discusses security and drug prevention in high-level meetings

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with European Council President António Costa in Rome to discuss key European dossiers and prospects for collaboration between Italy and EU institutions. Following recent demonstrations, Meloni praised law enforcement for ensuring public safety and the right to peaceful protest despite attempts by violent individuals to provoke disorder.

In a separate high-level meeting in San Patrignano, Rimini, hosted by Italy and France under the European Coalition against Drugs, Meloni and President Sergio Mattarella advocated for stronger anti-drug measures. Meloni criticized the classification of cannabis as a ‘light drug,’ noting that current substances are more potent and accessible than in the past. She specifically warned about the rapid emergence of synthetic compounds and fentanyl.

To combat these issues, the Italian government has allocated over 210 million euros for 2026 to the national addiction combat system, the largest allocation to date. The strategy focuses on reinforcing public services, supporting therapeutic communities, and improving early warning mechanisms. Meloni also emphasized international cooperation to combat trafficking networks, target their economic resources through confiscation, and increase port security, noting that approximately 80 percent of illegal drugs enter Europe via maritime routes.