Italy's Prime Minister Meloni Calls for EU Strategic Autonomy and Gulf Cooperation

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a video message at the Future Investment Initiative Priority Summit Europe 2026 in Rome, urging the European Union to concentrate on large‑scale strategic issues. She emphasized that Europe must develop strategic autonomy, industrial capacity, technological sovereignty, and financial power, and be ready to employ its geopolitical and geoeconomic strength.

Meloni highlighted the importance of strengthening ties with Gulf partners, describing the cooperation as a way to unite West, East, Africa and Asia. She said Italy will act as a key gateway to Europe and a natural Mediterranean hub for energy, logistics and trade, helping to turn these sectors into factors of stability rather than vulnerability.

The address underlined the need for the EU to focus its energy on strategic themes while leaving national authorities to handle areas where they can achieve better results alone.