欧洲对外关系委员会-罗马的时刻：德拉吉、多边主义和意大利的新战略（英文）-2021.5-18页_82kb

ROMES MOMENT: DRAGHI, MULTILATERALISM, AND ITALY STRATEGY

Core Content

Italy, under Prime Minister Mario Draghi, is positioning itself as a key player in shaping European integration and global multilateralism. The country is leveraging its role in the European Union (EU), the G20, and COP26 to promote European interests, strengthen transatlantic ties, and re-engage with a multilateral approach to global challenges. This strategy represents a departure from the previous governments' focus on bilateral relationships with China and Russia, and instead emphasizes the importance of multilateral cooperation for both national and European interests.

Main Views and Key Points

1. Shift in Foreign Policy Priorities

• Draghi's government is prioritizing EU integration, transatlantic relations, and multilateralism, marking a break from the previous governments' focus on China and Russia.
• The new approach aims to reinforce European sovereignty while working within multilateral frameworks, especially in response to global challenges like the pandemic and climate change.
• Italy is seeking to bridge the gap between competing great powers, such as the US and China, by promoting a rules-based international order.

2. Economic Recovery and Development

• Italy is deeply integrated with the EU economy and relies heavily on European trade partners, particularly Germany, the US, Switzerland, and the UK.
• The country's economic recovery is closely tied to the Next Generation EU fund, which allocates nearly €300 billion for recovery and development.
• Draghi's government is committed to efficient use of EU funds and is pushing for strategic investments in digitalization, innovation, and infrastructure.
• Italy aims to reduce dependency on external energy sources and develop its technological capabilities in line with the EU's Green Deal and digital strategy.

3. Health Security and Strategic Sovereignty

• The EU's vaccine diplomacy and health security have become critical policy areas after the pandemic exposed weaknesses in supply chain coordination.
• Italy is working to ensure fair and transparent vaccine distribution and to prevent the EU from being seen as incapable of managing its own health needs.
• The government is supporting EU-wide coordination on health issues and is using the Global Health Summit to reinforce the bloc's role in global health governance.
• Italy is also promoting multilateral cooperation with the COVAX programme and is cautious about relying on non-EU suppliers like Russia and China.

4. Climate Change and Green Transition

• Climate change is a central issue for Italy, especially with the allocation of significant Next Generation EU funds to green initiatives.
• The country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity, which is currently the lowest in the G20, and to align its climate targets with the EU's Green Deal.
• Italy is working to promote European climate leadership at the G20 and COP26, while also bridging differences between the US and China on green investments.
• The government is strengthening its climate coordination within the EU and is taking steps to institutionalize climate action at the national level.

5. Support for Africa and Multilateral Engagement

• Italy sees Africa as a strategic partner and is using its G20 presidency to promote sustainable development and economic recovery for the continent.
• The country is advocating for greater EU engagement with African nations, including through the COVAX programme and dialogue with China on development issues.
• Italy's role in the G20 Africa Advisory Group highlights its commitment to multilateralism in addressing global challenges, especially in the Sahel region.

Conclusion

Draghi's government is working to redefine Italy's role in Europe and the world, emphasizing multilateralism, EU integration, and transatlantic cooperation. By taking a pragmatic and assertive approach, Italy is aiming to rebuild trust in the EU and position itself as a leader in global health and climate policy. The country's strategic use of the G20, COP26, and G7 platforms is expected to enhance its international influence and help shape a more equitable and sustainable global order. This shift in foreign policy is crucial for Italy's long-term stability and growth, as well as for Europe's ability to compete with rising global powers.