Italian Parties Oppose Rome’s Participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, says Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
Rome, Italy – Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, announced on Saturday that several Italian parties are against Rome’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This statement comes ahead of a crucial decision on whether Italy should withdraw from the project.
In 2019, Rome’s decision to join the BRI drew significant attention from the Western world. The BRI is China’s ambitious plan to enhance its global influence through massive infrastructure and investment projects. Many analysts at the time criticized Italy’s decision, stating that it undermined Europe’s ability to counter Beijing effectively.
Mario Draghi, the former chief of the European Central Bank, froze the agreement when he assumed power in Italy in 2021. However, with a new government in place, Italy is now reconsidering its ties with China.
“The Italian message is very clear – we want to work with China, we want to be present in China’s market, and we are ready for Chinese investment. However, it is crucial to have a level playing field,” stated Tajani, who also serves as Italy’s deputy prime minister.
Italy is expected to announce in the coming months whether it will officially terminate its participation in the landmark Chinese project. According to the agreement, both parties have the option to end the deal after five years. If neither party chooses to terminate, the partnership automatically extends for another five-year term. Italy has until the end of 2023 to inform China about its decision.
Tajani is scheduled to visit China in the next few days. Despite acknowledging that the trip won’t be difficult, he emphasized its importance for Italy’s future decisions regarding the BRI.
However, Tajani did not provide a specific timeline for Italy’s final verdict on whether to continue its involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative. He highlighted that the Italian Parliament is currently evaluating the situation and that many parties are against Italy’s participation.
“In this moment, the European countries without the Belt and Road Initiative are working better than us. Italy will decide if it wants to stay or not stay in the Belt and Road Initiative. In the parliament, many parties are against it,” Tajani explained.
Italy’s decision on whether to remain in the Belt and Road Initiative will undoubtedly impact the country’s economic and political relations with China and Europe as a whole. Observers eagerly await the outcome of this critical choice.