Rome – “I am convinced that the war in Ukraine will end within this year”. Antonio Tajani, speaking from the European People’s Party congress in Valencia — where he is due to be re-confirmed as Vice President today — expresses confident optimism about an imminent end to the conflict between Moscow and Kyiv. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister attributes this optimism to “Pope Francis’ most recent major contribution”, referring to the talks held in the Vatican on Saturday, but not to the so-called mini-truce proposed by Vladimir Putin: “It’s nothing but a bluff”.
Minister Tajani, is there a lesson to be learned from the Spanish blackout? Sabotage, hacking, terrorism… Europe seems vulnerable.
“Even if it were just human error, it proves how essential investment in security is. And I’m not just talking about bombs and tanks: security also involves infrastructure — energy and cyber systems alike. This incident shows it may not have been a simple accident. We need proper investment, not carelessness or demagoguery”.
You mention demagoguery on security… Are you referring to Salvini?
“No, I mean the so-called ‘peace fakers’ — those who make decisions without really understanding the issues”.
You’re in Valencia for the EPP summit. You’ve called for a ‘revolution’ in the EU. What do you mean?
“I believe defending the status quo would be damaging — for Italy, for the EPP, and for the EU as a whole. We need to break certain patterns and ensure Europe returns to seriously addressing major issues: immigration, defence, industrial policy. We need real subsidiarity and a system with fewer regulations. I proposed, and the EPP accepted, a ‘one new rule, two old ones repealed’ policy to reduce bureaucracy. We’re also proposing institutional reform: merging the roles of the Presidents of the European Council and Commission; direct election of this new President by citizens; and giving more power to the European Parliament, which currently has virtually no legislative initiative. Furthermore, the unanimity rule must be reconsidered — we need to move past the veto system. We want a different Europe: more democratic and closer to the people, not at the mercy of populism”.
But slogans work, and the EPP is the EU’s most influential party — it helped create the current system.
“In reality, the EPP has often gone in a different direction. We’ve never had an absolute majority and have had to govern with others. Now we want to change things. We’ve learned from mistakes — ours, those of other parties, and those of member states who’ve paralysed the Commission thinking they could act alone”.
Could the images from the Pope’s funeral go down in history as the beginning of peace in Ukraine?
“Those images are of historical significance: they mark Pope Francis’ latest major contribution to peace. The Church has a role to play, as shown by the private talks between Trump and other leaders. Whether it will lead to a solution, I don’t know — but it’s a step forward”.
And Putin’s proposed truce?
“It’s a bluff, just like the one at Easter. It’s not a real ceasefire. A more concrete proposal is needed”.
What developments do you foresee?
“It’s up to Putin to take the first step. He needs to respond to Trump — so far, he hasn’t, unlike Zelensky. The talks will start from new terms. Everyone will present their position, and a compromise will be sought”.
There’s talk of a US-guaranteed peace, with European forces supporting Kyiv. Will Italy take part alongside the ‘Willing’?
“It’s too early to say. But we’re ready to do our part — always under the United Nations’ umbrella. We’re organising a conference in Rome on the reconstruction of Ukraine. A preparatory event has already taken place in Brussels, and another is scheduled for Verona. I am convinced the war will end within this year”.
Speaking of the historic images from Saturday’s funeral — the Prime Minister wasn’t visible in the photos, unlike Macron and Starmer. Coincidence or political choice?
“The Prime Minister was in the square and took part in the funeral. She had a deep relationship with the Pope. She met leaders on arrival. The Trump-Zelensky meeting was held privately — no need to read further into it”.
Rome will soon host talks between Iran and the US — what should we expect?
“These are important signals. The fact that Rome is the venue for US-Iran talks is symbolic in itself: it shows we are a credible player. We can’t do everything alone, but we can certainly contribute”.
On the rearmament front, the new Merz government in Germany has triggered the safeguard clause for the ReArmEU programme. Will Italy follow suit?
“We’ll see. It’s a bold move by Germany — a real shift and a break with a long-standing taboo. They’ve realised that rigidity won’t help if we’re to achieve important goals. Italy hasn’t decided yet”.
Not everyone in government agrees. Salvini has called rearmament ‘madness’…
“Internal debate is normal — but ultimately, responsibility will prevail”.
A similar debate seems to be unfolding regarding the International Criminal Court. Hungary has announced it’s leaving, and Salvini called it ‘the right decision’. Is that an option for Italy? Rome has clashed with The Hague before.
“Hungary made a legitimate choice. But it’s one thing to clash with institutions, another to stop believing in them. I continue to believe in international justice — and therefore that Italy should not withdraw”.
What’s your verdict on Trump’s first 100 days?
“In these 100 days, Trump has shaken Europe out of complacency. He’s made us realise we must rely more on ourselves. Still within the Atlantic alliance, of course — but we have to pull our weight. Italy will soon announce it has reached the 2% of GDP target for defence. I haven’t agreed with all his decisions — like the tariffs — but you can’t assess the overall picture based solely on a single move. What matters is that Europe and the US keep talking”.
Italy also has to choose a new ambassador to Washington. There are rumours of disagreements between you and Meloni.
“We’ll decide together, as always — aiming for the best outcome. But that particular ‘match’ hasn’t even started yet”.
Speaking of upcoming matches — there’s the Conclave too. Some say Macron is lobbying hard…
“I’m a practising Catholic and I don’t believe states should interfere. I trust in Providence, and I’m sure the best Pope possible will be chosen. Whether Italian or not, what matters is that he’s a good pastor”.
