Meloni at the African Summit: Matti's plan and a partnership of equals with Africa
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a reshaping of relations between Europe and Africa, stressing the need for cooperation to be based on equality and mutual respect, moving away from traditional or exploitative patterns. This came during her active participation in the 39th African Union Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
An Italian vision for a pivotal role
In her address to African leaders, Meloni emphasized Rome's ambition to remain a "privileged bridge" connecting the two shores of the Mediterranean, noting that the time had come to translate words into concrete actions. She explained that true cooperation is sustainable and does not falter in times of crisis, but rather establishes a complementary relationship where the unique characteristics of each party are essential to achieving shared goals.
Matti's Plan: The Strategic and Economic Dimension
Meloni's remarks come as she promotes the " Mattii Plan ," a strategic initiative named after Enrico Mattei, the founder of the energy company Eni, who was known for his support of oil-producing nations' independence and the development of equitable partnerships with them in the 1950s. The current plan aims to transform Italy into a major energy hub connecting African gas to European markets, thereby reducing European dependence on Russian gas—a vital objective for European national security amid current geopolitical tensions.
Addressing the challenges of migration and development
The Italian vision extends beyond energy to encompass the issue of illegal immigration. The Meloni government believes that economic development in African countries of origin and transit is the fundamental solution to curbing migrant flows towards Italian shores. By investing substantially and creating jobs in Africa within the framework of the "Matti Plan," Rome seeks to address the root causes of the problem rather than relying solely on security measures, reflecting a shift in the European approach to issues in the Global South.
Meloni concluded her visit by emphasizing that the bilateral summit held on the sidelines of the African Union meetings enabled both sides to outline the implementation of this ambitious plan, thus opening a new chapter in the history of Italian-African relations.
