Rome (ANSA) – Ursula von der Leyen and Giorgia Meloni held their inaugural meeting in Brussels following the installation of the new European Commission. According to a statement from Palazzo Chigi, the discussion primarily revolved around the key priorities for the new EU institutional term, emphasizing the need to enhance the EU’s role and competitiveness globally. Meloni notably addressed the future of the automotive industry amid the environmental transition, as well as significant concerns regarding the national agricultural sector in relation to the EU-Mercosur Agreement.
Both subjects have sparked tension within the EU. One contentious issue is the proposed ban on diesel and gasoline vehicles by 2035. Meloni has consistently advocated for a reevaluation of regulations that could undermine the European automotive sector, emphasizing the importance of supporting technologies that effectively lower emissions while avoiding “ideological restrictions” detrimental to various industries.
The differences in opinion on the EU-Mercosur agreement, which was finalized by von der Leyen in early December, are even more pronounced. Meloni expressed that Italy could not support the agreement without ensuring balance, highlighting potential adverse effects on the agricultural sector.
Von der Leyen shared on social media that during her discussions with Meloni, they addressed the necessity of revitalizing Europe’s presence on the global stage, advocating for the establishment of more partnerships and alliances to foster prosperity. They also highlighted the importance of intensifying efforts against migrant trafficking through cooperation with partners.
According to Palazzo Chigi, the two leaders concurred on the importance of strengthening collaboration between Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa and the European Global Gateway Strategy (announced on December 20).
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