Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani, today marks the opening of the Munich Conference in an international context that has drastically changed, dominated by uncertainty and new geopolitical balances, starting with the possible scenario of a ceasefire in Ukraine. What are your expectations?
“Anything that lays the groundwork for a path towards peace in Ukraine is a positive step. The dialogue initiated by Trump and Putin is a welcome development, but Europe must play a central, leading role in this process. We Europeans must rise to the challenge with greater determination and unity”.
Trump, despite not being physically present, is the central figure in the debate. The participation of Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, and Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg underscores U.S. interest in Europe, while at the same time raising doubts about the stability of transatlantic relations. What role will Italy play?
“Italy’s commitment will be to offer a constructive contribution. Our country can act as a bridge between Washington, the European Union, and Kyiv. Italy has always openly sided with Ukraine, supporting its war effort financially and militarily, yet without considering itself at war with Russia. We have not authorised the use of our weapons on Russian territory, but as a nation, we have supported Europe’s and the U.S.’s stance against what was an aggression against a sovereign state like Ukraine”.
Then there is the issue of reconstruction—a major economic opportunity. Trump also seems to have set his sights on U.S. interests in this area in exchange for brokering a peace process between Zelensky and Putin…
“First, we need to build peace. In the meantime, we are working on the issue of reconstruction with our European allies. Italy has long been committed to this cause. Rome will play a key role in the reconstruction process—we will host the International Conference on 10–11 July. Preparations are already underway for this crucial event for Ukraine, Europe, and Italy”.
What are the priority issues that need to be addressed?
“The question of borders is fundamental—Ukraine is at Europe’s doorstep. Then there is the issue of a common European defence and the increase in military spending that NATO is also asking of us. However, this must be framed within a clear economic agreement, either through revising the Stability Pact, issuing Eurobonds, or reallocating unspent funds from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The economic sustainability of increased military spending is not a secondary issue”.
The impression is that while Europe debates these matters, Trump and Putin are moving forward independently, sidelining the EU, with the U.S. set to secure the largest share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, which are highly valuable…
“Rare earth minerals are a crucial resource in the global competition with China. Trump is aware of this, but so are Europe and Japan”.
Trump has suggested that one day Ukraine could become entirely Russian…
“Ukraine will never be Russian”.
If Kyiv’s NATO membership is put on hold, could there be an acceleration of Ukraine’s integration into the EU?
“There are specific timelines, procedures, and criteria that must be met. The EU’s current priority is enlargement to the Western Balkans. Ukraine will follow, provided it meets the requirements set by Brussels: tackling corruption, ensuring financial stability, and strengthening institutional transparency and resilience”.
Are you concerned about the U.S.’s proposed tariffs?
“I am confident we will find common ground, including on trade, given our strong relationship with Washington. Trade wars benefit no one. Dialogue is key, and Italy is the best ambassador for the EU. We have developed a strategy to expand our exports and reach new markets, as demonstrated in 2024 when our exports to non-EU countries reached a record €305 billion out of a total of approximately €626 billion”.
How do you view Trump’s proposals for stabilising the Middle East, particularly Gaza?
“The first priority is ensuring the ceasefire holds. We must pursue practical solutions, especially to prevent a potential massive migration crisis. Italy remains committed to the ‘two peoples, two states’ solution”.
Yesterday saw the arrival of 14 Palestinian children from Gaza for medical treatment in Italy…
“Cardinal Pizzaballa first mentioned this to me, and within weeks we managed to welcome these young patients, who will be treated at hospitals including Regina Margherita in Turin, Umberto I in Rome, Papa Giovanni XXIII in Bergamo, Ospedali Civili in Brescia, Meyer Hospital in Florence, Niguarda Hospital in Milan, and the University Hospital of Padua”.
How will the dispute between Italy and the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the Almasri case be resolved?
“There is no ‘clash.’ Italy has raised legal concerns with the ICC regarding procedural issues. We do not seek to delegitimise the Court but rather to assert our legal position”.
Forza Italia is preparing for the EPP Congress…
“It will take place in Valencia on 29–30 April and will see the re-election of Weber. Forza Italia will reaffirm its strong commitment to the EU and European centre-right politics. We will hold policy events in the run-up to the congress—our Campania event will be in Pietrelcina on 22–23 February”.
