ZAGABRIA “On Wednesday, I will participate in the meeting organised in Washington by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on raw materials. Americans, Europeans, Koreans, and Japanese all have a common interest in addressing this commercial and industrial challenge with China, which is our competitor.” Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani is in Zagreb for the EPP Leaders’ Retreat, which has discussed European political priorities for 2026.
Do you agree with EPP President Weber when he says that Trump’s USA is no longer 100% reliable?
“We need to do everything we can to keep the two sides of the West united, which are also the two pillars of NATO. Transatlantic relations are fundamental. They have always been so, regardless of who is President of the United States. We need to focus on dialogue with our heads held high. We are still important counterparts – I am now thinking about the issue of raw materials.”
Are we moving toward bilateral agreements or an EU-wide agreement?
“As an industrialized country, we can make bilateral agreements with anyone but, considering the strategic importance of the raw materials issue and the fact that trade policy is an EU competence, an EU agreement with the United States, Japan, and South Korea is preferable. As European Commissioner for Industry, I went to Greenland in 2012 and made an agreement on raw materials. It is a key issue as the one of microchips we highlighted in the document on competitiveness with Germany. The EU is no longer driven solely by the Franco-German engine. Now there is also an Italian-German one.”
In the new geopolitical landscape, what significance does the mutual defence clause in the EU Treaties have?
“To defend peace, we need to address the issue of defence because the more Europe is able to ensure its own security, the less risk exists of possible conflict. Defence needs to be strengthened from a NATO perspective. Forza Italia is for European defence, as De Gasperi and then Berlusconi wanted.”
Is Italy in favour of Ukraine’s accelerated accession to the EU?
“We support Ukraine’s accession, but the Balkans come first. We have a commitment with them; for us, they are a priority. On March 3 in Rome, we will host the Friends of the Balkans meeting. On April 1, we will be in Belgrade with German Minister Wadephul to convey a signal of attention to Serbia. We will help Ukraine, which needs to make a path to accession.”
The unanimous vote slows down the EU’s decision-making process. You are in favour of moving beyond this. How will you convince Prime Minister Meloni?
This is not an issue we have ever discussed within the ruling majority. Without qualified majority voting, Mercosur would not have been adopted. If we want to move forward, we cannot stop at unanimity. The initial reforms can be made without changing the Treaties. The US pressure must push us to step up Europe’s decision-making ability.
You also discussed demography.
“We are the world’s largest market. Demography is a key element economically and for our identity. We cannot just say let us fill the labour shortages in industry and agriculture with immigrants. Prime Minister Sánchez’s amnesty is not the solution. The EU’s internal security is at stake, and this is a topic I raised during the meeting.”
Italy has overcome its traditional caution toward Iran. Have you coordinated with Prime Minister Meloni?
“The situation in Iran has changed. It is not that we have changed. Faced with reports of 30,000 deaths, we could not help but send out a signal, and the entire EU has been unanimous. A unanimous position has also been expressed throughout Italy; the ruling parties are all in favour. But this does not mean we should not keep dialogue with Iran open.”
Iran responded they would consider European armies “terrorists.”
“There is democracy in Europe; we do not repress opposition by killing people.”
Tomorrow you are on a mission to the three Regions hit by the cyclone. The EU Solidarity Fund has limited resources. The NRRP is in its final phase. Do you think it is appropriate to use the funds earmarked for the Strait of Messina Bridge?
“The funds for the Bridge shall be used for the Bridge. Europe has always been generous in times of disaster. I will work with ITA, Simest, Sace, and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti to understand how to help exporting companies and those involved in supply chains. The funds are available.”
Could opening up to Calenda create discontent within Forza Italia?
“The entire party is behind me. The goal is to create a centrist alternative to the left-wing parties and win local elections. With Azione, we are already ruling in Basilicata. The idea is to collaborate on certain issues. Calenda is campaigning for a “yes” vote in the justice system referendum. I may disagree with Calenda on certain issues, but this does not mean we cannot find a common candidate in Milan, Turin, or Rome local elections.”
Is the referendum at risk of becoming a vote on the government?
“Italian citizens need to ask themselves whether the justice system is fine as it is, or whether we want to change it. We are voting on justice reform.”
Occhiuto said he would not challenge you at the Party Congress but that Forza Italia should become more liberal and reformist. Is it not enough so?
“He is one of the Party’s Deputy Secretaries – hence he is part of Forza Italia’s leadership. Last September we adopted a manifesto on freedom and dedicated three days of work to the theme of freedom, as it applies to all areas of life.”
Is Vannacci becoming a thorn in the majority’s flesh?
“Vannacci’s ideas concern the League. I do not interfere in the other parties’ internal affairs. I have never done so.”
