An Old Rivalry and a Final Opportunity: Trump Dispute Brings Macron and Meloni Closer
In Antibes, where the waves of the French Riviera meet European interests, Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni are seeking to turn the page on years of disagreements.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are scheduled to meet on Thursday in Antibes on the French Riviera for their first bilateral summit, which may also prove to be their last in its current form.
According to Politico, Macron and Meloni now appear to be finally aligned politically and are preparing to sign a package of agreements covering areas ranging from nuclear energy to space cooperation.
From Rivalry to Rapprochement
Since Giorgia Meloni came to power, her relationship with Emmanuel Macron has been characterized by tension. In fact, disagreements between the two leaders began even before she became Italy’s prime minister.
Until last January, Rome prioritized its bilateral relationship with Germany while largely overlooking France. Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz sought to present themselves as a European bridge to the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the newspaper.
This warm Italian-German rapprochement took shape at the luxurious Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome amid frustration over France’s opposition to the historic Mercosur trade agreement with South America, which both Merz and Meloni viewed as crucial for enhancing the competitiveness of European industry.
A Changing Situation
That situation has now changed dramatically following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. Meloni adopted a more confrontational approach toward Donald Trump, and their relationship escalated into a sharp and highly personal dispute last week.
As a result, the Italian prime minister has moved closer to the European vision championed by Macron, demonstrating a greater willingness to maintain political distance from Washington.
At the highly anticipated summit in Antibes, around twenty French and Italian ministers, accompanied by leading business executives, will celebrate the signing of approximately twelve cross-border bilateral agreements.
According to Macron’s office, these agreements include:
- Strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two countries.
- Establishing a joint French-Italian air defense system.
- Launching a joint space project involving Airbus, Leonardo, and Thales.
- Expanding cooperation in civilian nuclear energy, with a focus on French small modular nuclear reactors.
- Increasing production of Aster interceptor missiles.
- Adopting a defense roadmap covering the period from 2025 to 2031.
- Developing a joint strategy to enhance security in the Mediterranean region.
Additional agreements will strengthen the protection of regional food products from the European Union’s two leading culinary nations and support Franco-Italian infrastructure projects, including the controversial Lyon–Turin transalpine railway line.
The agreements will also enhance cooperation in marine conservation and cultural heritage protection, while further strengthening ties between the fashion industries of both countries.
Despite a long-standing economic rivalry, economic relations between France and Italy have continued to grow. In 2025, bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately €112 billion, representing a 6% increase compared with the previous year.
French foreign direct investment in Italy totaled €100 billion in 2024, exceeding that of any other investing nation.
An official from the Élysée Palace told journalists that the objective is to “return to the foundations of the Franco-Italian relationship.” The official also praised the strong economic ties between Paris and Rome.
An Opportunity for Closer Relations
For years, relations between Macron and Meloni were marked by tensions and sharp disagreements over numerous issues, including immigration, abortion rights, and the death of a far-right activist earlier this year.
A former senior French official who was serving at the time told Politico: “Shortly after Meloni’s election in 2022, Macron attempted to build bridges with the Italian leader, but she showed very little interest.”
The former official added: “The recent dispute between Meloni and Trump provides the French and Italian leaders with a clear opportunity to move closer together.”
Persistent Differences Despite the Rapprochement
Despite the noticeable improvement in relations, differences remain between Paris and Rome on several issues, including migrant reception centers located outside the European Union and restrictions on children’s use of social media.
Nevertheless, officials and lawmakers on both sides believe that the current international environment, with its security, economic, and geopolitical challenges, requires France and Italy to seek common ground and strengthen coordination between them.
