Overview

• Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed Italy’s refusal to send troops to Ukraine outside UN mandates, citing consistency in foreign policy.
• Meloni faced criticism from domestic opposition for skipping the 'volenterosi' meeting in Tirana, with detractors accusing her of isolating Italy in Europe.
• Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari criticized the 'volenterosi' format, arguing it undermines Western unity by creating unnecessary divisions.
• During a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Rome, both leaders emphasized bilateral cooperation on economic and security issues and dismissed rumors of strained relations.
• Meloni’s bilateral talks with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama advanced agreements on migration centers and broader collaboration on irregular migration.