ROME – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron are still locked in a lengthy bilateral meeting at Palazzo Chigi. The Meloni Macron talks began just before 6:30 p.m. and have now continued for over three hours, followed by a working dinner hosted at the seat of the Italian government.
According to diplomatic sources, the meeting aims to overcome recent tensions and to confirm whether the two governments can “proceed together on essential issues,” as stated by the Elysée ahead of the summit. Macron is expected to return to Paris immediately after the dinner, without any joint press statement or further official engagements.
The red carpet welcome at Palazzo Chigi gave a show of warmth. Photographers captured smiling handshakes, cheek kisses, and whispered exchanges between the leaders. “It’s the parterre of great occasions,” Meloni joked to reporters shortly before greeting the French president.
Behind the show of cordiality, however, lie serious differences. The two leaders remain divided on several fronts, including security guarantees for Ukraine, approaches to international peace efforts, and policy towards Donald Trump regarding trade tariffs. Despite these tensions, both sides appear committed to restoring dialogue.
Meloni reportedly emphasised the importance of “equal dignity” in bilateral relations. This a reference to previous diplomatic frictions, including a controversial group photo taken in Tirana that stirred discontent in Rome.
The Elysée had described the visit as a necessary stop in Rome to allow for a direct and open exchange on issues where positions remain misaligned. Alongside Ukraine, the Middle East also featured in the discussions, with both leaders approaching the region from different angles.
Attempt to deepen bilateral ties
Beyond geopolitical issues, the summit also addressed deepening bilateral ties. Italian sources highlighted the desire to strengthen economic collaboration, particularly through renewed focus on research and innovation. The long-delayed Quirinale Treaty – intended to formalise cooperation between Rome and Paris – was reportedly revisited.
European competitiveness, especially in the automotive sector, was another priority. Rome aims to strengthen ties not only with Paris but also with Berlin, envisioning a joint industrial strategy among the EU’s largest economies.
Among other discussion points were migration, defence, and transatlantic relations. Meloni is said to be pushing for a more coordinated European effort on these fronts. Her goal, creating what Rome calls “a more sovereign, stronger and more prosperous Europe.”
Financing strategic priorities remains a sticking point. Italy is advocating a funding mix that includes private investment alongside shared European resources.
As the two leaders wrap up their discussions with a working dinner, the atmosphere at Palazzo Chigi suggests a thaw – albeit a cautious one – in one of Europe’s most consequential political relationships. Considering the Italian Ambassador to France met with officials in March, due to Deputy PM Salvini’s remarks about Macron, one can only hope they are now on a better footing.
