Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Friday that the Arctic must remain a priority for both NATO and the European Union.
Italy believes the Arctic requires sustained attention from European and transatlantic institutions, Meloni said in a written message. She made the remarks while visiting Japan.
Meloni said NATO should develop a coordinated presence in the region. She added this would help prevent tensions and respond to interference from other actors. Her comments come amid heightened global attention on the Arctic. US President Donald Trump has repeated his desire for the United States to take control of Greenland from Denmark.
Italy’s Arctic strategy was presented in Rome by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The event took place at Villa Madama.
Tajani said Europe and Italy have long recognised the Arctic’s strategic importance. He stressed that Italy’s interest in the region is not new. He announced plans for a business mission to the Arctic in cooperation with Italy’s embassy in Copenhagen. The mission aims to strengthen economic and strategic ties.
Tajani also outlined plans for a round-table focused on defence, energy and space exports. He said Italy wants to position itself at the forefront of these sectors. The foreign minister said Italy intends to support its businesses in the region. He described the Arctic as a priority area for Italian foreign and economic policy.
