The flexibility granted to Italy by the European Union has been welcomed as a “success” by Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani. The tone is relieved because, at a difficult moment for the government, faced with tight fiscal margins, “it will allow greater room for manoeuvre on the energy price crisis caused by the Hormuz blockade.” In short, it is a breath of fresh air. 14 billion euros, to be spent over two or three years, for investments in renewable energy, which the Commission — Tajani underlines — “confirms to be a strategic objective for all Member States.” And in this way, he adds, “we free up other resources that we can redirect towards urgent spending to cut energy bills for businesses and households.”
Yet, the impression is that much of the effort is going into plugging new gaps that continue to open up.
“Indeed, the real solution to this crisis is to achieve a truce and then a political agreement between the US and Iran that would allow the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened. The blockade and lack of security are also limiting the ability to distribute fertilizers produced in the Gulf worldwide: the problems in regions such as African countries will be dramatic if we do not act as quickly as possible.”
You are the most pro-European member of the government. Do you also see this Commission decision as a response to those who criticize Brussels for not being close to citizens’ needs?
“First of all, it is a success for the Italian government, which managed to present the request correctly and worked on negotiations to convince others of the soundness and reasonableness of Italy’s proposal. Moreover, I have always argued that making unilateral budget overruns would have harmed us in the eyes of the markets. Therefore, a solution had to be found with the EU.”
Others, including within the centre-right, have instead criticized the Union.
“And Europe has quickly provided a response that disproves those who continue to believe that Brussels does not respond to problems coming from Member States. If you have credible proposals and negotiation capacity, the EU listens. Over the years, our government has strengthened Italy’s credibility and its ability to comply with European procedures, and therefore to be heard.”
What are the government’s investment priorities?
“This flexibility will allow the government to potentially redirect resources from other budget lines to the necessary ones.”
Can you be more specific?
“I must say I share the view that we should not abandon the main path: making Italy increasingly committed to an energy mix based on a concrete and realistic — not ideological — approach, in which new forms of nuclear energy will also have to find space alongside renewables.”
How long will it take to see the first concrete measures?
“Days or weeks, not months.”
Does this new flexibility remove the need to use cohesion funds for the energy crisis?
“The European Union has also opened up to this possibility.”
Regional governors, including those from the centre-right, have expressed opposition.
“We will discuss with them the most effective way to make use of this opening, always respecting the roles and prerogatives of the regions.”
Do you think it is necessary to extend the fuel excise cut as well?
“I think so, perhaps by better targeting support towards households and businesses most in need, such as energy-intensive industries.”
The Hormuz crisis is also linked to the Lebanese front, where Israel continues to carry out airstrikes.
“We are pressing the government in Tel Aviv — and we are not alone — regarding military operations in Lebanon that affect the civilian population. Let us not forget that everything restarted with Hezbollah rocket fire on northern Israel.”
Rome has so far aligned with Berlin to avoid strong EU pressure on Israel. Despite this, the Israeli ambassador to Italy, Jonathan Peled, speaks of tensions with you. Were you surprised?
“We reacted strongly to the unacceptable behaviour of an Israeli minister and of some elements of the police forces under his coordination. And with Germany we share an approach aimed at pressing government behaviour, not indiscriminately penalising the Israeli population. I would also like to add a point.”
Please.
“We must avoid attitudes that end up strengthening, within Israel, the most hardline wing, the one furthest from the ‘two peoples, two states’ position that we will always support.”
Europe is now also returning to discuss Ukraine’s accession. In the majority resolution to be voted in Parliament ahead of the next EU leaders’ summit, do you think there should be a passage supporting Kyiv’s entry into the Union?
“Italy is in favour of Ukraine’s accession to the EU.”
So that’s a yes?
“All necessary timelines and criteria must be respected, and in fact the process should be accelerated, without neglecting the Western Balkan countries, which have been waiting for more than a decade. Their case must be considered alongside Ukraine’s. But let me be clear: Ukraine in the EU is a powerful additional factor of security and stability.”
In the coming hours you will be between Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta for the annual meeting with the French government of the “cross-border cooperation committee”. What topics will you address?
“We will meet our French counterparts at the Bard Fort. It is not only about key mobility issues. We will discuss the environment, resource management, joint initiatives for industry, agriculture and youth. It is a concrete way of making populations that are now deeply connected work together, even if formally an old border remains that no longer represents a real dividing line for anyone.”
Will you also discuss the “second tube” of the Mont Blanc tunnel?
“Yes, we will. We hope that all possible scenarios are analysed without prejudice, including the construction of a second tunnel tube. Available data and studies suggest that this solution could ensure even higher safety standards, as well as better environmental protection, thanks to the reduction of long queues during peak traffic periods. All this without increasing the number of vehicles in transit, but rather making the management of a strategic link for the communities and economies on both sides of the Alps more efficient, safer and more sustainable.”
