ROME — Italy and Germany on Friday pledged to deepen cooperation and strengthen Europe’s ability to act independently on the global stage, as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz signed a new German–Italian Action Plan during an intergovernmental summit in Rome, according to EUro News.
The meeting, held at Villa Doria Pamphili, brought together senior officials from both countries to address shared priorities, including European strategic autonomy, industrial competitiveness, defense and security, energy, and migration. At a joint press conference, Meloni said Europe faced a defining choice.
“We must build an authoritative and competitive Europe with its own strategic autonomy,” she said. “Italy and Germany have a special responsibility in this phase of history. The European Union must decide whether it wants to be the protagonist of its own destiny.”
Marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, Merz described bilateral ties as closer than ever. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s industrial base and security at a time of growing global instability. The German leader also pointed to key challenges facing the continent, including the war in Ukraine, energy security, and the importance of a strong NATO alliance in an era of renewed great-power rivalry.
In a joint statement issued ahead of the summit, the two leaders reaffirmed the central role of the transatlantic partnership with the United States, grounded in shared values and interests. They also stressed their commitment to international law, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, with references to Ukraine and Greenland.
Under the updated Action Plan, Rome and Berlin pledged to coordinate their response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine through sanctions, support for Ukraine’s recovery, and efforts toward a just and lasting peace. They also voiced support for U.S.-led efforts to end the conflict in Gaza.
The agreement includes seven bilateral understandings covering areas such as agriculture, culture, mining, technology, and higher education, along with two broader accords. One is a political declaration aimed at enhancing cooperation in security, defense, and cybersecurity. The other updates the 2023 Action Plan for bilateral and EU-level cooperation, recognizing the need for Europe to act as a stronger geopolitical player while remaining open to enlargement.
Economic competitiveness featured prominently in the talks, particularly the future of Europe’s automotive sector. Italy and Germany committed to supporting a “competitive green transition” toward climate goals while protecting jobs and maintaining technological neutrality, including flexibility on pathways to decarbonization.
Migration and cooperation with Africa were also key themes. Building on Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa and Germany’s African policy guidelines, the two countries pledged joint initiatives to promote development, stability, and more effective migration management, while respecting international and EU law.
The summit concluded with meetings between Italian and German business leaders, underlining the economic dimension of the renewed partnership.
