"The agreement on Russian diesel announced last Friday by US President Donald Trump is a choice I consider very risky." Thus Giorgia Meloni, during her remarks to the Senate ahead of the European Council, highlighted the dangers of the Trump-Putin pact, emphasizing that the surge in fuel prices "is primarily due to the war in Iran, not the conflict in Ukraine."

Therefore, the prime minister argues, "the outcome of this choice is uncertain, while the risks are clear. A legitimacy for Moscow while its bombs continue to fall on Ukrainian cities, new revenues with which to finance the war, an implicit weakening of sanctions leverage are elements we cannot ignore, and which contradict everything Western states, including the United States, have done so far to push Putin to the negotiating table."

Again on Ukraine: "No one will convince me that the surrender of those defending their freedom can be called peace. Only a just peace can last and safeguard Europe and our interests. The government's position, therefore, remains unchanged. Support for Kiev, with particular attention to the civilian population, pressure on Moscow, and Euro-Atlantic unity remain the cornerstones of our action."

Economy

Energy costs, Meloni added, are "the issue that weighs most heavily on our economy today, but no one can respond effectively alone; a coordinated and rapid response is needed." This response must be international, but also European: "We must ensure," she sent a message to Brussels, "that rules designed in a context completely different from the one we are experiencing today do not end up exacerbating the effects of the crises we are experiencing."

The E3 format for peace in Ukraine and Renzi's criticisms

"If France, Germany, and Great Britain, in the famous E3 format, believe they can do better alone than we can all do together—and that's what they've done so far—then at least they should do it on behalf of everyone and with an official mandate from everyone," the Prime Minister said, reiterating that Europe "must not stand by and watch" and must "identify an authoritative figure, with a mandate from everyone, capable of bringing the EU's voice to the table."