Post by : Badri Ariffin

ROME – Italy is pushing back against European Union pressure, emphasizing that decisions on national security and strategic sectors must remain firmly in the hands of member states. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni underscored this stance on Wednesday, framing it as a matter of safeguarding the nation’s critical interests.

The comments come amid growing scrutiny from Brussels over Italy’s use of “golden power” legislation. These laws allow the government to intervene in key sectors like banking, telecommunications, and defense to protect strategic assets. Italy is one of the EU countries most active in deploying such powers, a move that has drawn concern from European authorities.

Earlier this year, Italy’s intervention blocked a major banking consolidation. UniCredit, the country’s second-largest bank, withdrew its €15 billion ($17.5 billion) offer to acquire Banco BPM, citing government-imposed terms as the reason for the failed deal. The episode highlighted tensions between national control and EU-level financial integration.

Ahead of this week’s EU leaders summit, Meloni stressed in parliament that safeguarding national security cannot be outsourced or dictated by Brussels. “It is, and must remain, the member states who are the decision-makers in this process,” she said, reiterating similar points made recently by Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti.

The European Commission, however, has signaled its intention to challenge Italy’s golden power rules. Sources indicate Brussels will order Rome to withdraw specific conditions applied to the UniCredit-Banco BPM deal and may pursue a broader infringement procedure to test the limits of the legislation.

While the EU seeks to ensure smoother bank consolidation across Europe, Italy’s government is framing the issue as a broader debate on sovereignty, economic strategy, and national defense. Observers suggest the coming weeks will be critical in defining the balance between member state control and EU regulatory ambitions.

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