Speeches

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, managing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict requires balance, firmness and humanity. As President Giorgia Meloni recalled, we are friends of Israel, but not indifferent to the drama that is taking place in the Gaza Strip. We were among the first to strongly condemn Hamas' terrorist attacks and to uphold Israel's right to defend itself, in full respect of international law. But precisely because we are sincere allies, we call for clarity on long-term goals and maximum respect for the Palestinian civilian population. Today it is urgent to obtain the release of the hostages, reach an immediate ceasefire, definitively defeat Hamas terrorism and relaunch a credible negotiation process leading to a solution based on "two peoples and two states", with mutual recognition in the peaceful coexistence of these two peoples. Because today, more than ever, is the time for dialogue, responsibility and the courage to build bridges with love for one’s neighbour – with love for one’s neighbour – and fidelity to our values.

Mr President, Minister, ladies and gentlemen, to support a fair, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine means first of all to have the courage of the truth. And the truth is that the war does not stop with proclamations, but with serious diplomacy, with credible interlocutors and the political will to build a stable future. In this sense, Europe cannot remain an absolute spectator, it must open real diplomatic channels even with those partners who will play a decisive role in the coming months: I am obviously referring to the United States of America and Donald Trump, with whom Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has been able to build a solid and coherent relationship, based on common values and strategic vision. Moreover, the recent official visit of President Zelensky to Rome testifies to the international recognition of Italy’s active and credible role, thanks to the leadership of President Meloni, who continues to contribute seriously and consistently – and I stress consistently – to the search for a diplomatic and lasting solution to the conflict. We must also be ready not only to support the defence of Ukraine but also to show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people through concrete acts, accompanying them on the path of reconstruction. The European Union must take the lead in restoring infrastructure, essential services and hope to a nation hard hit by the conflict. The White Paper is a useful tool for European defence, but it must be used in the best way to secure our defence industry as well. Fratelli d'Italia is on the side of peace but of a true peace based on respect for the law, on the security of the European peoples and on the freedom of Ukraine.

Madam President, Madam High Representative, ladies and gentlemen, this report calls for reflection: Do we want a strong Europe or just a more bureaucratic one? Cooperation is necessary, but it cannot sacrifice the sovereignty of the Member States. The agreement with Albania, for example, on returns is something concrete; We can fight illegal immigration, we need courage and pragmatism. The Commission confirmed that it is fully compliant with Union law. Enough ideologies, concrete solutions are needed. Supporting Ukraine is a must, but let us not forget the goal: building a just and lasting peace, not fuelling an endless conflict. And enough with the illusion of an alternative Europe to NATO, or in opposition to the United States: The West defends itself together, with balance and a common vision. Europe returns to being a protagonist without complexes, and without renouncing its identity.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the White Paper on the future of European defence is a crucial opportunity to draw up a clear, realistic and effective strategy. Europe must strengthen its defensive capacity, while avoiding duplicating NATO or creating new unnecessary bureaucratic superstructures. Italy supports a stronger defence based on targeted investments, on a competitive industry in the strategic sectors of space, communications and technological innovation. Investing in security does not mean fuelling a race to rearmament but giving stability, strategic autonomy and economic growth. That is why the plan put forward by President von der Leyen, in my view, must be renamed as Defence Europe. Security is the true guarantee of peace and that is why I also want to stigmatize the behavior of some who profess to be pacifists only to gather a few consents without thinking about national interests. The White Paper must be an opportunity to build a strong European defence, respecting the specificities of each Member State, and to strengthen Europe's role in the world.

Mr President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, what is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo is extremely worrying. The fall of Goma into the hands of the M23 rebels has triggered a very serious humanitarian crisis, while tension is also growing in Kinshasa, with episodes that demonstrate a growing distrust on the part of the population towards the international community. The European Union must therefore turn the page. We need to start building a new partnership with Africa, based on mutual respect and shared growth. In this sense, the Mattei plan, this brilliant idea of the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, represents a concrete model for strengthening cooperation, promoting development, stability and security. Clear political choices are also needed. We must strongly support the mediation processes led by African countries, recognising their central role in finding lasting solutions. Africa does not need top-down interventions, but reliable partners. And of course I believe that Europe must show that it is up to this role.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner, after three years of Russia's brutal attack on Ukraine, our duty is clear: The European Union must stand firm in its support for Ukraine, not only to defend its sovereignty, but also to ensure security for the entire continent. Our goal must be peace, just and lasting. This means continuing to support Kiev with the necessary aid, but at the same time intensifying diplomatic efforts to seek a political solution to the conflict, supporting any initiative that can bring to the negotiating table and end the suffering of millions of people. In this context, in my view, transatlantic cooperation is essential to tackle this crisis with unity and determination. We recall that dialogue with the United States is essential, as they remain our main ally and key partner in an era of global and interconnected challenges. The European Union cannot afford to hesitate. We must continue with firmness in our assistance to Kiev, without ever losing sight of the imperative of peace and peace.

Madam President, Commissioner, ladies and gentlemen, we often hear about peace, but, as the Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has said, peace is not an acquired right, nor something eternal: It is a daily achievement that requires commitment and determination. To those who criticise defence spending, I recall that it serves to ensure security, to rebuild stability in conflict-ravaged lands and to act as a deterrent to keeping threats away from our communities. Speaking of defence does not mean embracing a warlike logic, but guaranteeing the security and well-being of European citizens. And that is why we must be as ambitious and pragmatic as possible and ensure that, precisely, defence investment – and I stress investment – must be kept out of the Stability Pact. Only in this way will we be able to build a Europe that is better prepared to respond to the global challenges that lie ahead. A strong and cohesive Europe does not mean a Europe that renounces its national sovereignty, but a Europe that stands as a guarantor of peace and security for all its peoples. We must state this clearly and proudly.

Mr President, Madam Vice-President – best wishes for your new post – ladies and gentlemen, the fall of the Assad regime represents a crucial historical moment not only for Syria, but for the entire geopolitical scenario of the Middle East. Europe has a responsibility to lead this transition, avoiding the mistakes made in the past in both Iraq and Libya, where the lack of a clear strategy has left those countries in chaos. Today it is crucial to remember that Syria's stability also depends on the surrounding region, in particular Jordan, which is already facing the consequences of this crisis. The recent statement by President von der Leyen, expressing the European Union's full support for Jordan, is a tangible sign of how Europe intends to work closely with Syria's neighbouring countries to ensure an orderly political transition, in line with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. An unstable Syria is a ticking time bomb not only because of the real risk of an explosion in migration, but above all because of the infiltration of terrorist groups in Europe and beyond. The European Union must firmly ensure the provision of humanitarian support and the reconstruction of vital infrastructure through Jordan. I am convinced that we can work with this Commission and this Parliament to ensure that this transition can take place in the most democratic way possible.

Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, yesterday we commemorated the first anniversary of Hamas' attacks on Israel. An event that has left deep scars and highlights the urgency of pursuing a lasting peace. Today the crisis in the Middle East reaches alarming levels. Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, devastating raids on Gaza and growing Iranian intervention threaten the stability of the region. Uncontrolled escalation is unacceptable. The G7 leaders' statement, with a clear commitment by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for Israel's security, strongly condemns the Iranian military attack. It is crucial that Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah and Hamas, immediately cease their destabilizing actions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is catastrophic. We need an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, unhindered humanitarian access. The protection of civilians must be a priority. In Lebanon, compliance with UN Resolutions 1701 and 2735 is crucial. The UNIFIL mission must be reinforced to avoid further escalation along the Blue Line, the blue line. The European Union plays a decisive role in promoting peace, working, of course, with the United Nations and regional partners. It is therefore essential to pursue the "two peoples, two nations" solution through diplomacy, so that we can build a future of stability in the Middle East. Acting with unity is essential as the future of the region depends on today's choices.

I think I was very clear. President Meloni has made it very clear that we must support Ukraine by sending weapons exclusively on a defensive basis.

Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, the conflict in Ukraine is a crucial challenge not only for the country affected by Russian aggression, but for the entire European and global geopolitical order. Our support as the European Union cannot be seen as a discretionary choice, but as a collective responsibility dictated by the defence of the founding principles of our Union: democracy, sovereignty and respect for international law. During the recent meeting with President Zelensky at the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated a position that I fully share: We must not give up. This message is not only a statement of intent, but a strategic stance that recognizes how much Ukraine's fate is inextricably linked to the security of the whole of Europe. President Meloni said that Italy's support for Ukraine is not only a matter of solidarity, but also of national interest. The defence of Ukraine is equivalent to the defence of the rule of law and European stability. Allowing Russia today to use its military dominance to subdue a sovereign nation would set a dangerous precedent, undermining the security of all free nations. President Zelensky, at the bilateral meeting in Cernobbio, renewed the request for more military assistance, especially in view of the difficult winter that awaits his country. Italy’s clearly expressed response was firm: There will be no surrender of our commitment. Then, by virtue of all this, I declare that, in my opinion, it is our duty to continue to support Ukraine by providing all the necessary aid to ensure the...