Meloni returns from Paris with European’ backing on Ukraine and beyond

Giorgia Meloni returned to Rome from Paris with a rare diplomatic boost for her government, emerging from talks at the Élysée Palace with strengthened backing for Italy’s position on Ukraine and fresh momentum on several European priorities.

The meeting, part of the so-called ‘Coalition of the Willing’ convened by Emmanuel Macron alongside Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S, envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, broadly aligned participants behind Italy’s vision of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

Italian officials point to two key outcomes 

First, European leaders and Washington converged on a shared understanding of the path ahead, easing concerns about diverging strategies. Second, any future security guarantees for Kyiv would reflect the spirit of NATO’s Article 5, a formulation long advocated by Rome. At the same time, Meloni made clear that Italy would not deploy troops on Ukrainian territory.

Italy also left its mark on discussions about a potential multinational force to monitor a future peace agreement. Participation would be voluntary and subject to national constitutional rules, even in the event of renewed hostilities. On one point, however, there was broad agreement. Sustained pressure on Russia remains essential.

Farming, trade and Italy’s role in the EU

Ukraine, however, was not the only file where Meloni claimed progress. Ahead of the summit, the European Commission announced plans to increase agricultural spending in the next long term EU budget, adding €45 billion to the Common Agricultural Policy from 2028 on top of existing funds. Rome has welcomed the move as a tangible win for farmers across the bloc and as evidence that Italy’s pragmatic approach to agriculture is gaining traction in Brussels.

The Paris trip also advanced talks on the EU Mercosur trade agreement, an issue closely coordinated with Macron. In a joint note, the two leaders addressed Greenland, stressing that decisions concerning the territory rest with its people. That position has been echoed by several European leaders, including Friedrich Merz, Donald Tusk, Pedro Sánchez, Keir Starmer, and Mette Frederiksen.

Domestically, the wins offer Meloni a pointed response to critics who question Italy’s influence in Europe. Her government, she argues, is firmly aligned with its partners while also emphasizing Arctic security as a matter of broader international stability. The message from Paris was unambiguous. The future of Greenland, like Denmark’s role in the region, will be decided in Copenhagen and Nuuk, not elsewhere.