Seventy years ago, in 1955, the foundations of the European Union were laid in Messina and Taormina during the meeting – initiated by Gaetano Martino – of the six ministers of the ECSC, the European Coal and Steel Community. Today, Antonio Tajani is in Messina together with his fellow European ministers, alongside dozens of experts and academics – from Luigi Gianniti to Ernesto Galli della Loggia and Angelino Alfano, among others – with the aim of “valuing the past to build the future”.
Minister Tajani, do the wars in Iran and Gaza call for a stronger role by Europe in stabilising the Mediterranean and the Global South?
“Absolutely. Europe must act more decisively, and most importantly, in unity. It would be a grave mistake if European countries were to continue acting independently, rather than in a coordinated, Community-based approach. Let us not forget what happened in Libya with Gaddafi’s removal – the rivalries between European countries diminished our influence in the region. We must embrace a genuine and robust ‘European sovereignty’ to safeguard the interests of all EU Member States. The war in Iran should push us to make this qualitative leap. If we fail to do so, we will be making a serious political mistake, one that we will pay dearly for”.
Chancellor Merz has said that Israel is fighting in Iran on behalf of all of us. Do you agree?
“I believe the German Chancellor’s point – which I also share – is that Israel is defending a model of society and democracy. Democracy is by no means a flawless system, but it is, in my view, the best one we have. And Israel is a democracy. We must never confuse Israel with the governments that lead it”.
Are you suggesting that Netanyahu is making serious mistakes?
“Israel is right to be concerned about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The Islamic Republic has consistently stated its intention to erase Israel from the map. If Tehran develops nuclear weapons – crossing the red line, as certified by the UN – then Israel has the right to self-defence”.
Could diplomacy have been used more effectively with Iran before reaching this point?
“Numerous attempts at dialogue have been made over the years, but unfortunately, all have failed. Iran has chosen to pursue an unacceptable nuclear escalation, which destabilises global security”.
President Trump seems poised to intervene directly against Iran. Is that the right decision?
“That is a decision for the United States to make in terms of what kind of support it chooses to give to Israel”.
Can the EU urge him to de-escalate?
“It is difficult to interpret Trump’s intentions, as his positions frequently change. We must assess his decisions once they are actually taken. The G7 line, however, is to return to negotiations between the US and Iran on the nuclear issue. While it may seem impossible at present, the talks mediated by Oman – which Italy fully supports – remain the only viable channel for renewed diplomatic engagement. But it is Iran that must show it is willing to return to the negotiating table, with a clear goal: Tehran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons”.
If the US becomes involved in the conflict, is there a risk of a resurgence in fundamentalist terrorism in Europe and in Italy?
“There is always a risk of terrorism. Italy is doing its part through the meticulous work of its intelligence and law enforcement agencies. We are prepared to act at all levels – to ensure the safety of our citizens and to contribute to broader efforts toward de-escalation. Now is the time to stop and allow diplomacy – not weapons – to lead”.
You are in regular contact with governments in the moderate Arab world. What is their position?
“They are all calling for de-escalation. Their mobilisation is crucial. However, the situation remains extremely fluid and uncertain – for them, as for all of us”.
One thing seems clear: Europe appears hesitant, or even absent.
“We see actions by individual European states, but not yet a united Europe in foreign policy. We need stronger coordination in foreign and security policy, as we have achieved with trade policy. Italy’s engagement with the US administration has always aimed to support a common European position on tariffs, offering our diplomatic resources and strong transatlantic relations to the benefit of Europe. This approach has been well understood. The same spirit of close cooperation must now guide us in the area of security and de-escalation”.
Do you think there is too little joint European effort?
“I believe that each European country alone is too small to carry global influence. But Europe, as a whole, is not too small to assert itself on the global stage. What is happening should make us realise that a common defence policy is essential to increase our leverage in times of crisis”.
Do you hope for regime change in Tehran?
“The Israeli military operation is named ‘Resurrection of the Lion’ – the lion being a symbol that featured on the Shah’s flag. The message from Israel is clear: a return to the pre-theocracy era”.
But can democracy truly be exported?
“You can promote the spirit of democracy, but you cannot impose a Western model of civilisation by force. The Allies in 1945 played a decisive role in restoring democracy to Europe and to Italy, but we developed our own model of political and social order. The goal set by the Founding Fathers of the European Union was to build a Union that guarantees freedom and peace. That vision is still very relevant today – and it is precisely why we have returned to Messina, to reignite the spirit of 1955”.
And yet the future remains troubling.
“History holds the key to the future we are able to shape. We must continue along the path laid out by those who built Europe into a model of democracy and development. There is still much work to be done”.
