Salvini Opposes Tajani’s Support for a European Army

Rome: Deputy Premier and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini expressed his disagreement with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani’s support for a European army. “I don’t agree with Tajani on the European army. What would a European army led by France and Germany do today: would it go to war?” Salvini stated during the inauguration of the Ponte dell’Industria in Rome. He emphasized the need for Europe to defend itself but questioned the assurance such a military force would provide.

According to Ansa News Agency, Tajani, who is also a deputy premier, had previously stated his support for a common EU army, aligning with the centre-right Forza Italia (FI) party’s stance, during a European People’s Party (EPP) summit. This position contrasts with the League’s opposition to the idea of a European military force.

Earlier this month, Salvini criticized the concept of a European army led by French President Emmanuel Macron, describing him as “mad” and expressing skepticism about French-led initiatives to establish such a force. He suggested that the proposed army could potentially intervene as peacekeepers in a future Ukraine peace deal. Following Salvini’s remarks, Italy’s ambassador to Paris, Emanuela D’Alessandro, was reportedly summoned to the French foreign ministry, as reported by French media.