ANTIBES, France: French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni presented a united front during a bilateral summit in the French Riviera resort of Antibes, signalling a renewed effort to strengthen cooperation despite years of political differences.
The meeting marked the first Franco-Italian summit since a 2021 strategic partnership treaty came into force, elevating relations between the two countries to a level comparable with the close cooperation traditionally seen between France and Germany.
Held at the historic Villa Eilenroc overlooking the Mediterranean, the talks focused on expanding collaboration in defence, nuclear energy, space technology and broader strategic industries. French officials described the summit as an opportunity to deepen ties in sectors considered vital to Europe’s long-term security and competitiveness.
Macron and Meloni sought to dispel suggestions of lingering tensions that have often characterised their relationship. “We all live under the same climate — it is warm. And there is nothing glacial anymore,” Macron remarked, while Meloni described their interactions as those of “serious people who talk politics.”
Although Macron’s pro-European centrist agenda and Meloni’s right-wing coalition have frequently placed them on opposite sides of policy debates, both leaders have made efforts to improve relations over the past year through regular dialogue and cooperation.
Analysts have also noted a shift in Meloni’s international positioning following her recent public criticism of US President Donald Trump over what she called his “constant, unprovoked attacks.” Despite those developments, Macron stressed that Europe continues to value its partnership with Washington, saying European nations want to “keep the Americans on our side” even as transatlantic relations evolve.
On regional security, France and Italy announced plans to work toward establishing a multinational coalition that could succeed the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) after its mandate expires at the end of 2026. The proposed initiative would be developed in coordination with the European Union and the United Nations and is intended to strengthen Lebanon’s sovereignty and support its armed forces.
Macron and Meloni also reiterated common positions on several European issues, including opposition to the European Union’s proposed free trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc. However, differences remain on matters such as migration policy and Italy’s reluctance to deploy troops to Ukraine in any future post-war security arrangement.
The summit is expected to produce agreements on defence cooperation, including continued support for the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system supplied to Ukraine, as well as partnerships in nuclear energy and a planned European satellite initiative designed to bolster the continent’s strategic autonomy.
The meeting reflects a broader effort by Paris and Rome to move beyond past disagreements and reinforce cooperation on defence, technology and European security at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics.
