Antonio Tajani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, has first-hand experience of the Middle East crisis. Minister Tajani brought the three-day Feuromed Conference to a close by emphasising the importance of a united and strong Europe, capable of defending its own interests and promoting economic growth.
Minister, we are in a historic phase of great transformation, marked by tensions and deep changes, which are also evident in the language and positions within the Atlantic Alliance. How can we navigate and interpret such a complex situation?
“The changes underway are evident, but the point is that Italy and Europe cannot simply sit back and accept them: they need to be protagonists. We can only play an active role if we are an authoritative and influential part of the European Union, which should be strengthened and made even more inclusive, by also fully involving partners such as the United Kingdom. This is the moment when Europe needs to carry more weight, playing a strong role in dialogue with the United States within the Atlantic Alliance. The West needs to remain united: this is a prerequisite, despite the difficulties. This is the reason why we need a firm commitment to Europe. I am a pro-European: only in this way can we have an impact in a fast changing world where new powers are emerging. I am thinking not only of China, but also of India, which is becoming increasingly central, and of the Gulf States, which are key players in this delicate phase. We need to engage in dialogue with these nations.”
Minister, yesterday’s European Council meeting focused on the energy issue. Italy has proposed suspending CO2 taxes, but there seems to be no full agreement at present. Is there any scope for mediation?
“Italy has raised an issue, i.e. the need to reconcile the fight against climate change with the competitiveness of our production system, within an international context. This calls for an analysis of the European Union’s policies, particularly the rules governing the CO₂ emissions market. It is a useful mechanism for reducing emissions, but, as it stands now, it runs the risk of severely penalising companies and the agricultural sector. This is the reason why the Prime Minister has called for European action, which has already been anticipated at national level. We have found a key ally in Poland and have managed to achieve an initial result: the European Commission has committed to drawing up proposals aimed at providing greater protection for our production system.”
On the issue of a possible mission to ensure security in the Strait of Hormuz, understandable caution prevails. What is the current position of the countries willing to participate, and how can the need for intervention be reconciled with the need not to exacerbate the conflict?
“This is, first and foremost, a political stance, aimed at ensuring the safety of commercial and maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The aim is for that region to become once again a safe passage for international trade, without any risk to ships. This is not a military decision, but a political signal. Any operational developments can only be assessed at a later stage, should a ceasefire and a path to stabilisation be achieved. In that context, and within the framework of a United Nations’ mandate, participation in a mission to safeguard maritime traffic could be considered, possibly alongside other international actors such as India and China.”
The latest developments, however, seem to point to a possible escalation of tension, with speculation of direct US involvement, including the possible occupation of strategic targets such as Kharg Island. Considering this scenario, do you believe there is really scope for de-escalation, or does the US ally seem to be leaning towards a more assertive policy line?
‘No, it seems to me that the United States wants to continue defending freedom of navigation by force against the Iranians. We shall see what happens. President Trump himself has stated that he does not wish to deploy ground troops on Iranian territory; this is certainly not a war destined to be resolved in the short term.’
Divisions within the European Union persist regarding the situation in Ukraine. In recent days, too, there have been difficulties in reaching agreement with Hungary, particularly regarding the request for action concerning the gas pipeline. How can this deadlock be overcome and a united European stance maintained on such a strategic issue?
“It seems to me that we need to wait for the outcome of the elections in Hungary before we can release aid to Ukraine. It is a matter of a few days, and I am confident that once the vote is over, we will be able to take positive steps forward.”
Minister, we are at the end of the election campaign; this Conference is entitled ‘Energy for Growth’ – what is the link between a country’s growth and the functioning of the justice system?
“An entirely negative one. A cumbersome justice system scares off investors and puts citizens and entrepreneurs at risk, many of whom are later acquitted. A system that actually treats the accused as guilty is harmful to the economy and to society. The constitutional principle that every person is presumed innocent until the third instance of trial is often not respected: Public Prosecutors mainly gather evidence against the defendants and, as they are part of the same career as the trial judges, there may be an implicit link, through shared career paths or offices, which indirectly influences decisions. Reality proves this: around 60% of those under investigation are later acquitted. Change is needed. We need to reward the most competent magistrates and break the link between career progression and political factions.”
This reform was strongly championed by Forza Italia. Of all the proposals on the table, you regard it as a matter of honour.
“It is a matter of honour for us, who believe in the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, but it is also a matter of honour for anyone who wishes to see the seventh provision of the Constitution’s transitional rules fully implemented. It serves to overcome the legacy of the so-called ‘fascist trial’, based on the presumption of guilt and the unification of judicial careers. Until these careers are separated, the constitutional principle of the presumption of innocence remains theoretical. I want to emphasise that this is a common-sense reform for citizens. It is no coincidence that many influential figures on the left-wing side support it. Let us leave aside the National Magistrates’ Association; let us leave aside the Naples Prosecutor who is threatening retaliation the day after the vote. He says: ‘We will settle the score later.” I do not believe we should settle the score when the people have expressed their opinion by voting. However, there are a great many magistrates who are in complete agreement because this reform moves in the direction of protecting citizens, strengthens the role of judges and frees the judiciary from the political influences of factional groups. In other words, it aims to guarantee every Italian citizen a fairer trial than in the past, without diminishing the role of magistrates, but ensuring independence and impartiality.”