Thousands Gather in Rome to Protest European Union’s Rearmament Plans

Rome (Eurotoday) – Thousands of Italians gathered in Rome’s city center on Saturday, waving blue European Union flags in a demonstration of solidarity and unity, as debates over European rearmament continue to divide the country.

The campaign, supported by most center-left opposition groups despite their differing stances, was initiated by Italian journalist Michele Serra at the end of February. He launched the movement with an editorial in the Italian daily La Repubblica titled: “Let’s Say Something European.”

I wanted to organize a massive demonstration of citizens supporting Europe, its unity, and its freedom, with no party flags, only European flags,

Serra explained, coining the slogan: “Here we make Europe, or we die.”

In response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s destabilizing policies—which created an unprecedented rift between Europe and the U.S.—tensions have escalated over the war in Ukraine and ongoing trade disputes.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has reluctantly backed the European Union’s plan to rearm the continent, amid concerns that the initiative—proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen—could place additional financial strain on Italy’s significant national debt, diverting much-needed resources toward military spending.

The EU proposal aims to generate approximately 800 billion euros over the next four years, primarily sourced from increased national defense and security expenditures by member states.

Why is Giorgia Meloni hesitant about EU rearmament?

Domestically, Meloni has expressed skepticism about the plan, rejecting the term “rearm” as misleading and urging European partners to focus instead blank”>on common defense and security.

Organizers reported that the rally, which filled Rome’s central Piazza del Popolo with around 30,000 participants, united Italians across the political spectrum who support different parties but came together “in the name of democracy.”

We are here to defend freedom and democracy,

said protester Daniela Condotto.

These are concepts we have grown accustomed to over the past 80 years, but in reality, they must be defended—we cannot take them for granted.

Right-wing government parties ignored the demonstration, aligning themselves with Meloni, who has been working to navigate a mediating role between Trump and the EU.

There must be support for Europe, but with concrete reforms, not symbolic events,

stated Antonio Tajani, foreign minister and vice premier, ahead of the rally. Vice Premier Matteo Salvini, leader of the eurosceptic League party, was openly critical.

While some people wave flags at demonstrations, we are working to change this Europe, which burdens workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs with its absurd regulations,

he said.