“Europe cannot do without the United States, and the United States likewise cannot do without Europe”. Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as leader of Forza Italia, was the main guest yesterday at Il Giornale’s annual festival, where he was interviewed by Editor-in-Chief Tommaso Cerno. During the evening, and prior to the event, he addressed the principal issues currently on the international agenda.
Minister, the first twenty days of the year have seen an extraordinary concentration of crises to be managed – from Crans-Montana to Venezuela, Greenland and US tariffs. How did you address them, also from a personal and human perspective?
“I had planned a few days of rest in Fiuggi, from New Year’s Day to Epiphany. This was above all a commitment to my wife and my family, whom I have had to neglect far too often in recent years. However, when I received news on New Year’s night of the tragedy in Crans-Montana, I had no hesitation. It was my duty to be there, alongside the families of the Italians devastated by grief, doing everything possible to coordinate rescue efforts. As for the other situations, accepting a role in government entails assuming a great responsibility towards the Italians who have placed their trust in us. That responsibility comes before anything else”.
The issue of Greenland has triggered a new US–EU confrontation: Italy seeks to play a role in easing tensions, while President Trump threatens new tariffs and some European countries deploy troops to the island.
“I would not describe this as mediation, but rather as an effort to place the issue on a more rational footing. President Trump at times raises genuine issues in an unconventional manner. Until a year ago, Greenland was largely absent from the international debate. In 2012, as Vice-President of the European Commission, I signed an agreement in Nuuk with the Greenlandic government on raw materials. Even then, I was convinced of the strategic importance of the Arctic island. Today we are all fully aware of the territory’s strategic, economic and energy relevance, as well as of the need to ensure its security. On the one hand, the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark must be guaranteed; on the other, the burden of managing such a complex issue cannot rest solely on Denmark and Greenland. This is precisely why NATO exists, and a solution can be found within that framework. Italy is working in this direction, playing an active role within Europe while maintaining excellent relations with the United States.”
On Venezuela, you have long been at the forefront in denouncing the Maduro regime. Following recent US involvement and developments under Vice-President Rodríguez, how do you assess the situation?
“Thank you for recalling this. I was among the first, already during my term as President of the European Parliament, to raise the issue of the Venezuelan people’s freedom. Today we are closer to achieving that objective. Vice-President Rodríguez has sent encouraging signals, including the release of several political detainees, and we await the completion of this process. Venezuela needs stabilisation and economic recovery, followed by democratic elections in which the opposition can participate under conditions of full freedom.”
Will Italy play a role in ‘phase two’ in the Middle East, where the ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile?
“It already plays an important role, thanks to its excellent dialogue with Israel, numerous Arab countries and the Palestinian Authority. Italy has been able to carry out significant humanitarian action even during the most intense phases of the conflict and has been at the forefront of relief efforts. The situation remains highly sensitive, but American mediation has succeeded in bringing an atrocious conflict to a halt. We must continue along this path, with a view to a two-State solution for two peoples. The fact that the Iranian regime, the principal source of inspiration for violent groups, is currently facing internal difficulties, owing to the courage of its citizens, may help create conditions conducive to a stable, negotiated solution.”
On Ukraine, you have consistently called for a just peace, yet no agreement appears forthcoming between President Putin and President Zelensky.
“I wish there were a simple answer. Everyone of good sense would welcome one, as peace is a universal value. We are deeply attentive to the Pope’s appeals. Italy is not waging, and will never wage, war against Russia; however, peace is not merely the absence of war, but also the guarantee that a people can freely determine its own future. Italy’s proposal for a security guarantee mechanism for Ukraine, similar to NATO’s Article 5 but without Ukraine joining the Alliance, is a course of action shared by many partners.”
It is often argued that international law lacks real force in a world where too many States fail to respect shared rules.
“International law is the only instrument ever devised in history to regulate relations between States without resorting to the use of force. It is not perfect, but it remains indispensable.”
Turning to Forza Italia: how can the party be renewed while consolidating the results achieved so far?
“Consolidation and renewal are not mutually exclusive paths. Forza Italia has always renewed itself, initially around the leadership of Silvio Berlusconi and today across all levels of its national and local leadership. As Berlusconi taught us, renewal does not mean sidelining individuals, but rather introducing new human energy and talent. I will continue to act along these lines, with deep gratitude towards those who, together with me, assumed responsibility for the party during particularly difficult years. Our movement is fully open to contributions of ideas, energy and commitment. Teamwork is essential, and all initiatives aimed at renewal and broadening participation are therefore welcome. I have done everything possible to foster the growth of the Youth Movement’s leadership, with excellent results, nurturing the political leadership of tomorrow. Forza Italia, as conceived by Berlusconi, is an open, pluralist and liberal party, capable of synthesising different policy perspectives. Those who have worked with me are fully aware of this and are carrying out outstanding work, which will be decisive in winning elections, because only Forza Italia can consolidate the centre – without which elections cannot be won and the country cannot be governed. Our objective is to win and to govern Italy with the centre-right for many years to come.”
