Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council Giovanbattista Fazzolari returns to the subject of Italy’s non-participation in the Tirana mini-summit between Macron, Starmer, Tusk, and Zelensky – a restricted format of the so-called coalition of the willing – and he does so with harsh words: a divisive operation useful only to those seeking personal visibility.
“Italy has always participated in the meetings of the willing, some thirty countries, maintaining its position against sending troops to Ukraine. But it is not clear what this so-called ‘restricted format of the willing’ is and what its usefulness is, apart from a bit of forced visibility for some’.
A format that divides, not unites
Fazzolari reiterates the central point of the Italian line: the strength of the West has always been its compactness, and variable-geometry diplomatic operations can only undermine it.
“I can’t see who can benefit from a format that calls itself ‘willing’ and therefore, by exclusion, declares the European Commission and very committed states such as Denmark, Sweden, Holland, the Czech Republic, Canada, etc. etc. ‘less willing’.
The message is clear: creating narrow circles between ‘big’ and ‘small’ undermines the collective legitimacy of the Western response and the authority of multilateral institutions.
The real risk: fragmenting the West
The undersecretary goes beyond the controversy with Macron and touches a key geopolitical balance point:
“What is the sense and usefulness of a format such as that which weakens the European Union and undermines western unity?”
According to Palazzo Chigi, creating ‘separate tables’ creates confusion and insinuates an idea of hierarchy between countries, when what is needed is a united and multilateral response, based on respect, consultation and consistency.
A clear and continuous Italian strategy
Statements that add to those already made by Fazzolari in the last 48 hours:
- support for Ukraine without sending troops;
- proposal of post-conflict guarantees on the Article 5 NATO model, but without formal adherence by Kiev;
- rejection of the confused and personalistic activism promoted by some European leaders.
The Italian government thus reaffirms its strategic autonomy, based on diplomatic seriousness, international responsibility and protection of the national interest.
No catwalks, yes to compactness
While some governments are chasing each other to be seen at Zelensky’s side – perhaps ‘for a photo’, as Giorgia Meloni put it – Italy is aiming for substance: consistency with the allies, but no provocations and adventurism that risk dragging Europe into a direct confrontation.
Fazzolari’s message is also an invitation to refound Western diplomacy on collegiality, not on media shortcuts. And in this, Italy’s posture is distinguished by rigour and long-term vision.
