Giorgia Meloni
She met Macron in Antibes to launch a Franco-Italian defense, nuclear, and space pact; publicly rejected Trump's "completely invented" accusations about begging for a G7 photo and blocking US bombers; and made Italy the first EU state to criminalize non-consensual AI deepfakes.
Giorgia Meloni is managing the sharpest diplomatic rupture of her premiership while rapidly rebuilding European alliances around it.
Trump publicly accused her of begging for a G7 photo and blocking US bombers from Sicily's Sigonella airbase during the Iran strikes. She called the claims "completely invented" and said neither she nor Italy ever begs. Foreign Minister Tajani canceled a Washington visit in protest. The rift widened when NATO Secretary General Rutte claimed Italy provided critical basing for the US-Israeli operation, with 500 American planes flying from Italian bases. Meloni and Defense Minister Crosetto rejected the account, insisting Italy authorized only non-kinetic logistical support and denied landing permission for combat bombers.
She pivoted toward France. At a bilateral summit with Macron at Villa Eilenroc in Antibes, the two agreed on a sweeping pact: defense, nuclear energy, space cooperation, a SAMP/T air defense roadmap, and a European satellite venture to rival Starlink. They aligned against the EU-Mercosur deal but split on migrant detention and troops to Ukraine. Macron told her: "We need each other."
At home, Meloni celebrated Parliament's approval of a strict EU Return Regulation — offshore return hubs, detention up to two years — calling it a great success for Italy. She also denounced an AI deepfake of herself and pushed through legislation making Italy the first EU state to criminalize non-consensual AI-generated images, video, and voice. "I can defend myself. Many others cannot."
She is pressing Brussels to exclude fuel-price support from deficit calculations as the Hormuz crisis staggers the economy, putting her against ECB President Lagarde and the Commission. On Ukraine, all 27 EU states backed a joint statement at the June 19 Brussels summit; Meloni separately proposed a single EU envoy from a medium-sized country to manage Russia relations.
On their plate
Trump accused Meloni of begging for a G7 photo and blocking US bombers from Sigonella during the Iran strikes; she called his claims "completely invented" and said Italy never begs. NATO Secretary General Rutte then claimed Italy provided critical basing for Operation Epic Fury, with 500 US planes flying from Italian bases. Meloni and Defense Minister Crosetto rejected the account, insisting Italy authorized only non-kinetic logistical support and denied landing permission for combat bombers.
Meloni met Macron at Villa Eilenroc in Antibes for a bilateral summit producing a sweeping pact: defense cooperation, nuclear energy, space, a SAMP/T air defense roadmap, and a European satellite venture to rival Starlink. The two aligned on opposing the EU-Mercosur deal but disagreed on migrant detention centers and deploying troops to Ukraine. Macron told her: "We need each other."
Meloni celebrated the European Parliament's June 17 approval of the strict Return Regulation — offshore return hubs, detention up to two years, 30-day departure windows, 10-year entry bans — as "a great success" for Italy. France and Spain opposed EU funds for return centers; the UN's Türk warned of "dehumanisation of migrants." At home she navigated coalition tensions over a far-right remigration petition while Brothers of Italy stayed cautious on legal grounds.
Meloni publicly denounced an AI-generated deepfake depicting her in lingerie, sharing it on Facebook and X to warn citizens. Italy became the first EU member state to criminalize non-consensual sharing of AI-generated images, video, or voice. She said "I can defend myself. Many others cannot" and urged people to "verify before believing, and believe before sharing."
Meloni is pressing Brussels to exclude fuel-price support from EU deficit calculations as the Hormuz crisis cuts growth forecasts to 0.9% and pushes inflation to 3.0%, arguing energy security deserves the same urgency as defense spending. ECB's Lagarde warned excessive fiscal support could trigger higher rates. On Ukraine, all 27 EU states backed a joint statement at the June 19 Brussels summit; Meloni separately proposed a single EU envoy from a medium-sized country to manage Russia relations.
Key relationships
Trump publicly accused Meloni of begging for a G7 photo and blocking US bombers from Sigonella; she called his claims fabricated and said neither she nor Italy ever begs.
Rutte claimed Italy provided critical basing for US-Israeli Iran strikes with 500 planes flying from Italian bases; Meloni and Crosetto rejected the characterization.
Met at Villa Eilenroc in Antibes for a bilateral summit launching a Franco-Italian defense, nuclear, space, and air defense pact; Macron said "We need each other."
Continued warm rapport at G7 Évian after signing the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 in Rome; Modi gifted Melody toffees sparking viral "Melodi" moment.
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