- Over 30,000 demonstrators fill Rome's Piazza del Popolo with EU flags
- Rally responds to EU's proposed €800 billion defense initiative and transatlantic tensions
- Meloni government criticizes rearmament focus, prioritizing debt management and security alternatives
- Event underscores divide between pro-EU citizens and eurosceptic leadership
The streets of Rome witnessed a sea of blue EU flags as tens of thousands gathered in Piazza del Popolo to voice support for European integration. Organized by journalist Michele Serra, the demonstration emerged as a direct response to growing concerns over the European Commission's defense strategy and strained U.S.-Europe relations. Attendees like Daniela Condotto emphasized the need to actively preserve democratic values, reflecting broader anxieties about geopolitical stability.
Central to the protest is the EU's proposed four-year €800 billion defense package, requiring member states to significantly increase military spending. Critics argue this could force Italy to allocate 2.3% of its GDP to defense by 2028, potentially exacerbating its 137% debt-to-GDP ratio. Unlike France and Germany pushing for collective security, Italy's coalition government seeks to renegotiate terms, fearing economic strain on key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
The rally's contrast with government priorities reveals deepening political fractures. While opposition leaders united under the EU banner, Deputy PM Matteo Salvini dismissed the event as symbolic, advocating instead for regulatory reforms. This tension mirrors wider European trends where 43% of Italians now express strong EU affiliation – a 12% increase since 2020 – even as leadership pursues nationalist agendas.
Analysts suggest the demonstration highlights a critical juncture for EU policy-making. With defense spending projected to grow 6% annually continent-wide, Italy's balancing act between fiscal responsibility and collective security offers lessons for debt-laden southern European nations. The government's recent €5 billion subsidy package for defense contractors further complicates debates about resource allocation in turbulent economic times.
