Meloni meets European Council President Costa in Rome on EU budget and migration

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met European Council President António Costa at Palazzo Chigi on Tuesday during his tour of the 27 EU member-state capitals. The discussion covered the main European and international agenda items, beginning with negotiations on the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034.

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Meloni said Italy is determined to work for an EU budget that matches the Union's strategic priorities. She cited the Common Agricultural Policy and Cohesion Policy as treaty-based pillars that continue to underpin Europe's competitiveness and economic security, and said the next budget must provide adequate support for industry and research amid global competition.

She also said the budget should strengthen partnerships with countries of origin and transit of irregular immigration flows. Italy is ready to contribute to the new framework as part of a balanced solution that excludes new European taxes and rationalises EU administrative expenditure.

Meloni backed Costa's proposal to place competitiveness at the top of the next European Council meeting's agenda, saying ongoing energy price rises require targeted and immediate EU action. She also welcomed a strategic debate on immigration, including review of Europe's new approach to irregular immigration and implementation of the new Return Regulation, with a focus on external border controls and partnerships with origin and transit countries.

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