A close ally of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has defended her against criticism for allegedly shifting policies on illegal migration, stating that Meloni remains consistent while Europe has changed. Italian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Edmondo Cirielli, a key figure in Meloni's party, emphasized Italy's influence on the European Union's conservative stance.
Italy's declining birth rates, reaching a record low in 2023, have prompted the government to allocate approximately 1 billion Euros in its 2024 budget to address the demographic crisis. Cirielli highlighted that this issue extends beyond Italy to Western Europe as a whole.
The surge in migrant arrivals on the North Africa-Italy route has led to collaborative efforts between Italy and North African countries to curb illegal migration. The 'Mattei Plan' aims to foster development in Africa while positioning Italy as an energy hub for natural gas supplies to Europe.
Under Italy's leadership, the G-7 foreign ministers convened to discuss imposing new sanctions on Iran following its actions against Israel. Cirielli stressed the importance of de-escalation to prevent a regional conflict.
Italy's recent withdrawal from China's Belt and Road Initiative was framed as a strategic decision to prioritize Italian trade interests. Cirielli clarified that this move does not sever ties with China but rather establishes a new economic-social partnership.
In conclusion, Italy's approach under Meloni's leadership reflects a blend of conservative values, proactive diplomacy, and strategic economic decisions to navigate complex challenges on the domestic and international fronts.
