Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that the US is justified in criticizing European leaders for recent democratic shortcomings.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni of Italy has endorsed US Vice President J.D. Vance’s recent strong criticism of European allies.
Vance argued at the Munich Security Conference that the UK and several EU countries are failing to protect free speech and democratic values.
Meloni told the Financial Times, “I have to say I agree. I’ve been saying this for years… Europe has a bit lost itself.” She believes Vance’s criticism targeted a “ruling class” imposing its ideology on citizens.
The Financial Times article highlighted Meloni’s ideological similarities with Trump and her divergence from other European leaders on important issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have adopted a different stance from US President Donald Trump, particularly on the Ukraine conflict, where the White House is urging a truce. They are leading efforts to support the Ukrainian military and have suggested stationing a “reassurance force” in the country. Russia has cautioned against any NATO military presence in Ukraine.
Meloni stated that, unlike Macron and Starmer, she does not seek to be a major global player. While not directly disputing the claim that Russia poses a threat requiring European military expansion, she stressed that Rome recognizes “threats can come from 360 degrees,” citing illegal migration across the Mediterranean as a key concern for Italy.
”If you simply think that you can defend yourself, taking care of the eastern flank, and you don’t consider for example what happens in the southern flank, you will have a problem,” the prime minister explained.
Russian officials deny any aggressive intentions toward NATO, viewing the Ukraine conflict as a proxy war initiated by the bloc. Moscow has accused European leaders of rejecting Trump’s mediation attempts and favoring continued hostilities.