Today, Prof. Virginie Collombier, our scientific coordinator, was hosted by Tg2 in the programme “Italia-Europa”, special edition dedicated to the ongoing G7 meeting in Puglia.

Prof. Collombier discussed the growing importance of African and BRICS countries in the global landscape and highlighted the strategic significance of the Mediterranean for Italy and Europe.

She emphasised that the G7 provides an opportunity for Prime Minister Meloni to focus on critical issues and to build consensus with other key leaders around the idea of the Mattei Plan. Prof. Collombier noted the need to unite major Western initiatives on energy in Africa to increase the reach of the Mattei Plan.

Prof. Collombier also stressed the importance of building fair and meaningful partnerships in Africa. She noted that Prime Minister Meloni has invited some non-G7 countries to Puglia to promote engagement with the Global South. In the current climate of great power polarisation, building partnerships with countries in the Global South is crucial for Italy.

With immigration becoming a pressing issue on the political agenda, Prof. Collombier posed an important question: How will European leaders engage and find common ground on this issue after the European elections?