Italy's Renewed Activism in the Wider Mediterranean : a Bet for the Future

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted a shift in Italy's foreign policy towards the Middle East and North Africa, with Rome intensifying its diplomatic activity in the wider Mediterranean region. This chapter analyses Italy's interests and priorities in the region under the Draghi and Meloni administrations. First, it examines energy diversification, focusing on Algeria's emergence as Italy's main gas supplier, as well as strengthened partnerships with Egypt, Libya, the UAE and Qatar. It then assesses Italy's approach to migration, including the Rome Process and the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, and highlights the criticisms and obstacles that these initiatives face. Finally, the chapter discusses whether the Mattei Plan could become the cornerstone of more concerted EU action. It argues that Italy must collaborate with European partners to achieve geopolitical prominence in the region.