PM call with Prime Minister Meloni of Italy: 2 April 2026 - GOV.UK
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, this morning.
www.gov.ukGiorgia Meloni is currently in the spotlight over her stance on the Middle East, her support for Ukraine, and a high‑stakes domestic referendum on judicial reform.[1][2][3][4]
Middle East and Israel
- Meloni’s government has suspended a defence cooperation agreement with Israel, signaling a sharp cooling in previously close ties as the wider Middle East conflict escalates.[4]
- Italy has recently criticized Israeli military actions in Lebanon, including incidents affecting Italian UN peacekeepers, and is pushing for de‑escalation in the region.[2][5][4]
- In an early April call with the UK prime minister, she backed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation and limit the impact on global trade and prices.[5]
Ukraine and foreign policy
- Meloni has reiterated Italy’s “unconditional” or unequivocal support for Ukraine ahead of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s latest visit to Italy, stressing security guarantees modeled on NATO’s Article 5 as part of a broader peace plan.[1]
- In recent Senate remarks, she framed support for Kyiv as both a moral and strategic choice and highlighted that Ukraine has regained some territory from Russia since early 2026.[2]
- Her broader EU line combines backing Ukraine, pressure for de‑escalation in the Middle East, and a push for more “realistic” energy and industrial policies at the European level.[2]
Domestic politics and judicial reform
- Italy is heading into a crucial referendum on judicial reform that could reshape the justice system and, according to observers, may heavily influence Meloni’s political future.[3]
- Supporters argue the reforms will make courts more efficient and accountable, while critics warn they risk undermining judicial independence and increasing political influence over the judiciary.[3]
Relations with Trump and the US
- Italian and international media have focused on a public clash between Meloni and US President Donald Trump, including reports that Italian papers “rallied” around her as she pushed back against his criticism.[6][7]
- Trump has recently attacked Meloni in interviews with Italian media over her positions on the Middle East and the US‑Israel war in Iran, despite their past political closeness.[7]
If you tell me what aspect you care most about (Ukraine, Israel/Middle East, EU politics, or internal Italian politics), I can give a more focused update on that.