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Meloni at the EPC summit: “Albania is European like Italy. Yes to the reunification of Europe”
At the summit of the European Political Community (EPC) held in Tirana, the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni gave a speech that touched on central themes for the continent’s identity and its political evolution, with a strong emphasis on the process of European integration and unconditional support for Ukraine. A speech full of symbolic and political meaning, which reaffirms the vision of a cohesive Europe, capable of recognizing and valorising its internal diversities. Meloni wanted first of all to underline Albania’s belonging to Europe, not only in a geographical sense, but above all cultural and historical. “Albania is obviously European, like Italy, Serbia, Norway, regardless of whether they are part of this or that organization”, the Prime Minister stated. The European Union is described not as an exclusive club, but as “the home” in which to realize what Meloni calls “European reunification”. A concept that goes beyond political and bureaucratic boundaries, embracing a broader and more inclusive vision of European identity. Meloni used a suggestive metaphor to describe this unity in diversity: “like the different fingers of a hand”, each European nation, despite its own peculiarities, is part of a single whole. It is a vision that opposes any logic of division or exclusion, and that aims for growing collaboration between the states of the continent, regardless of their formal status within the EU. But the intervention of the Prime Minister became even more incisive when she spoke about Ukraine and the ongoing conflict. “There is nothing more European than a people willing to risk everything to defend their freedom and independence,” Meloni said, praising the heroism and tenacity of the Ukrainians, who every day – according to the prime minister – “remind us what Europe is and what the deepest aspect of our common identity is: freedom”. Italy’s support for Ukraine was forcefully reiterated: “We will continue to stand alongside Ukraine and fight to ensure that this war ends immediately. Because our security and our freedom depend on the restoration of the force of law over the law of the strongest”. Addressing Volodymyr Zelensky directly, who was present in the room, Meloni reiterated that Ukraine wants peace, and implicitly accused other parties involved of not being willing to negotiate in good faith. “The world understood who was truly willing to sit at the negotiating table and who was not. And this also demonstrates, compared to certain propaganda, who seeks peace and who does not”. While acknowledging the difficulties of the moment, Meloni urged not to give up: “We must not interpret what happened yesterday as a setback and throw in the towel. Instead, we must insist with determination to finally obtain an unconditional ceasefire and a real peace agreement with serious security guarantees for Ukraine”. The words of the Italian Prime Minister are part of a European context still crossed by tensions and uncertainties, but also by a growing awareness of the need for common action. Meloni sent a clear message: Europe must be united not only in principles, but also in actions. Peace, freedom, respect for international law are the pillars on which to build a new phase of European construction. Ultimately, Meloni’s speech at the EPC summit in Tirana stands out for its dual intent: on the one hand, to strengthen the bond between Western Europe and the Balkans, promoting an inclusive vision of the continent; on the other, to confirm Italy’s commitment to the forefront of the defence of European values, represented today by Ukraine’s fight for its freedom. A speech that aims to give Europe a more cohesive soul, more aware and more determined to face the challenges of the present.
Alessandro Fiorentino