Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed concerns that the Europian Union’s stringent environmental policies may jeopardize Europe’s industrial base, particularly in the automotive sector. Following discussions with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Rome, Meloni emphasized the need for balanced ecological transition that safeguards economic and social stability.
Meloni criticized the EU’s focus on electrification, noting that reliance on electric vehicle supply chains dominated by non-European countries poses strategic risks. She advocated for the inclusion of alternative fuels, such as biofuels and hydrogen, in EU’s green strategy. Additionally, she called for revisions to emissions regulations to consider the entire production cycle of vehicles, not just tailpipe emissions.
The Prime Minister urged the European Commission to amend key aspects of the Green Deal, highlighting the need for flexibility in regulatory approaches to prevent harm to sectors like automotive manufacturing.
Meloni also suggested that Italy and Germany, as major industrial powers, should collaborate to enhance competitiveness and prevent “industrial desertification.”
These remarks come amid broader discussions within the EU about balancing environmental goals with economic realities, as member states navigate the challenges of transitioning to a greener economy.
