ROME — In a vibrant display of solidarity, tens of thousands of Italians gathered in Rome’s bustling city center on Saturday for a rally waving blue European Union flags. This event demonstrated a public unity intent on supporting Europe, amidst internal debates over the continent’s future direction, especially in the context of a growing discourse on rearmament.
The rally, finding backing from several center-left opposition parties despite their varied political views, was spearheaded by Italian journalist Michele Serra. Serra’s vision for this assembly was spurred by an editorial he penned for the Italian daily, La Repubblica, titled, “Let’s say something European.” He emphasized the need for a demonstration devoid of party symbolism, pledging allegiance solely to the idea of European unity by proposing the slogan: “Here we make Europe, or we die.”
This initiative arose as a counter-response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s destabilizing policies that have strained transatlantic relations, particularly due to differences over the war in Ukraine and ongoing trade disputes. The tensions between the U.S. and Europe prompted a call for stronger European unity.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has shown reluctant support for an EU plan orchestrated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aimed at bolstering defense capabilities across Europe. Meloni, however, expressed concerns over Italy’s substantial national debt, as the plan would shift considerable resources towards military expenditure, sparking domestic debate.
The EU’s strategy aims to mobilize approximately 800 billion euros over four years, largely depending on member states to amplify their defense budgets. Within Italy, Meloni critiqued the term “rearm,” calling it misleading, and urged fellow European nations to emphasize collaborative efforts in defense and security measures.
Organizers of the rally reported a crowd of at least 30,000 people congregating at Rome’s Piazza del Popolo. The diverse gathering saw Italians from various political ideologies voice a united stand “in the name of democracy.”
Daniela Condotto, one of the rally’s participants, reinforced the sentiment, stating, “We are here to defend freedom and democracy. These are ideals we’ve cherished for over 80 years, but they require active protection and should never be taken for granted.”
Despite the prominent show of support for Europe at the rally, right-wing government parties chose not to participate, aligning with Meloni’s stance as she navigates the complex diplomatic dynamics between Trump and the EU. Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister and vice premier, critiqued the rally, suggesting that European support should focus on substantial reforms over symbolic gestures.
Matteo Salvini, leader of the eurosceptic League party and vice premier, voiced strong criticism of the event. He argued, “While some wave flags, we are committed to transforming a Europe whose policies often undermine workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.”
The discussion around Europe’s trajectory continues, with calls for solidarity clashing with demands for reform, in a continent grappling with internal and external pressures.
