Italian Prime Minister Meloni calls for EU energy action and criticizes US-Russia deal

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called for immediate and coordinated European Union action to address soaring energy costs, arguing that national measures, despite the sixty million euros already allocated by Rome, are insufficient. Addressing industry leaders in Milan and later the Italian Senate, Meloni identified the ongoing crisis in Iran, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and instability in the Red Sea as primary drivers of inflation and increased costs for raw materials, transport, and energy. She emphasized the need for structural, long-term solutions, including a potential EU-wide mechanism to cap the price of natural gas used in electricity production to maintain industrial competitiveness.

Furthermore, Meloni expressed significant opposition to a reported energy agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russia regarding the supply of diesel and natural gas. During a session before the Italian parliament, she described the deal as a "highly risky choice," warning that it provides revenue for the war in Ukraine and undermines international sanctions against Moscow. Meloni’s statements come ahead of the European Council summit scheduled for October 15-16, where she intends to push for a unified European strategy to prevent further economic erosion caused by geopolitical instability.