A tense diplomatic standoff has erupted between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron, following a contentious episode during the European Political Community summit held in Albania.
The controversy centers on a joint phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump—a conversation from which Prime Minister Meloni was not invited to participate. Italian media reported that the exclusion was deliberate, allegedly orchestrated by Macron, due to Meloni’s opposition to sending troops to Ukraine as part of a proposed “coalition of the willing.”
Speaking to Italian journalists, Meloni expressed frustration, suggesting that her stance on military involvement in Ukraine had led to her being sidelined.
President Macron, who participated in the call alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Polish President Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, rejected Meloni’s interpretation and accused her of spreading misinformation.
“The discussion was about a ceasefire. Let’s not spread false information—there’s already enough of that coming from Russia,” Macron said.
The fallout continued the following day in Rome, where Meloni met with Chancellor Merz ahead of the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV. Although the meeting was an attempt to ease tensions, Meloni used the opportunity to caution against personal rivalries undermining unity.
“Western unity has been our greatest strength since the beginning of the Russian invasion,” she stated. “At such a delicate time, we must set aside ego and focus on a united front for peace—a peace that doesn’t mean surrender.”
Chancellor Merz emphasized the need for cohesion within the European Union, pledging to include Italy in all ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict.
“We must not allow ourselves to be divided,” he said.
This latest incident underscores the strained relationship between Meloni and Macron. The two have clashed on several occasions, with Meloni publicly opposing French proposals on military strategy in Ukraine. Despite her staunch support for Ukraine, she has been a vocal critic of deploying Western troops on the ground, arguing instead for diplomatic channels and humanitarian aid.
The Prime Minister, who has cultivated a close political relationship with Donald Trump, is now facing increased domestic pressure. Critics and opposition figures within Italy argue that her growing isolation from European allies is a sign of weakening influence on the international stage.
