The European Union is preparing to hold its March 2027 summit in Rome, a symbolic move to mark the 70th anniversary of the Treaties of Rome. But the plan also carries political weight for Italy, where an early general election is being openly discussed.
European Council President António Costa has proposed holding the formal summit outside Brussels, the usual home of EU leaders’ meetings. The change would require the unanimous approval of all 27 member states, and preparations are already under way, reported by Euro News.
“President Costa has put forward the idea to organise a formal European Council in Rome in the context of the 70th anniversary of the Rome Treaty,” an EU official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The summit would be the first time an EU anniversary celebration has been combined with a formal European Council meeting held outside Brussels. Costa raised the idea with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a tour of EU capitals in September. De Wever, whose country normally hosts the summits, said he would not oppose the one off exception.
The Treaties of Rome, signed on 25 March 1957, created the European Economic Community and the European Atomic Energy Community. They laid the groundwork for the modern European Union.
For Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the Rome summit could offer a major international stage shortly before a possible national vote. Italy’s next election is due by the end of 2027, but an early spring poll is being discussed, with April and May seen as the most likely dates.
The Italian government has welcomed the proposal. Yet the plan still needs formal approval from every member state, either through ambassadors or ministers, and is expected to be discussed in the coming weeks.
Costa’s own term as European Council president ends on 31 May 2027. He is expected to seek a second term, which would require support from a qualified majority of EU governments.
