ITALY Move Towards BRICS and No to EU: What’s Next?

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has adopted a practical stance regarding BRICS and the European Union, aligning her position as a G7 member with a broader goal of encouraging international cooperation and addressing global issues through inclusive dialogue. Her invitation to major BRICS members countries, namely Brazil, India, and the UAE to engage with Italy reflects this strategy. At the 2024 G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, Meloni extended invitations to leaders from several developing nations, such as India, Algeria, Brazil, Jordan, Kenya, Mauritania, Tunisia, Turkey, and the UAE, among others. This move underscores her dedication to incorporating diverse perspectives into the G7 discussions and acknowledging the crucial roles these countries play in the global economy and political arena. Although it might appear that Meloni aims to shift these nations away from BRICS, her primary objective seems to be challenging the European Union’s positions and fostering engagement with the Global South within the predominantly Western context of the G7. However, this approach has not been universally welcomed by other G7 leaders, with French President Emmanuel Macron notably expressing both direct and indirect criticism, highlighting tensions between the two leaders. Meloni has been vocal in her criticism of certain EU policies. She has described the EU as an “invasive bureaucratic giant“ and criticized the opaque processes behind EU leadership appointments, advocating for greater transparency and democracy in the Union’s decision-making.