Middle East is the latest arena of political recalibration for Italy’s right

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-15T14:14:13.273Z • Permanent link

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been quietly positioning her country as a key player in the Middle East, seeking to bolster its influence and create new economic opportunities. This strategic move has been years in the making, with Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party courting regional leaders and governments to build relationships that would enhance Italy's position in the global arena. In June 2022, Meloni made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia, where she met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss cooperation on trade, security, and infrastructure projects. This trip marked a significant shift in Italy's foreign policy, as it sought to expand its relationships with major regional powers.

Meloni's efforts have been backed by her government's investments in the Middle East, including a significant loan to the United Arab Emirates to support its nuclear program. Italy has also been actively promoting its own energy solutions, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), to countries in the region. These moves are aimed at reducing Europe's dependence on Russian energy supplies and enhancing Italy's own economic interests in the Middle East. The Italian government has also been working closely with regional institutions, such as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), to promote stability and security in the region.

Meloni's approach has been welcomed by some regional leaders, who see Italy as a valuable partner in their efforts to modernize and diversify their economies. For example, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, has been a strong supporter of Italy's efforts to promote its economic interests in the Middle East. Qatar has been a key investor in Italy's energy sector, and the two countries have signed several major agreements on energy cooperation and trade. However, not all regional leaders have been enthusiastic about Meloni's approach, and some have expressed concerns about Italy's involvement in the region's complex web of alliances and rivalries.

Meloni's efforts to promote Italy's influence in the Middle East have significant implications for the Data Sources domain. Companies such as Eni, Enel, and Saipem, which are major players in the region's energy sector, are likely to benefit from increased demand for their services and products. Research communities and policymakers will also be closely watching Italy's moves in the region, as they seek to understand the implications for global energy markets and the potential for new economic opportunities. The Italian government's investments in the Middle East are also likely to have a significant impact on the country's trade balances, as it seeks to reduce its dependence on imports from the EU and increase its exports to the region.

The potential for new economic opportunities in the Middle East is a major draw for companies and investors, but it also raises concerns about the risks of doing business in the region. The Middle East is a complex and volatile region, with numerous competing interests and alliances. Companies operating in the region will need to be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them, in order to maximize their chances of success. The Italian government's efforts to promote stability and security in the region will also be closely watched, as policymakers seek to understand the impact of its initiatives on the global economy.

Meloni's approach to the Middle East is part of a larger pattern of realignment in European foreign policy. In recent years, several European governments have sought to reassert their influence in the region, in response to the rise of major powers such as China and Russia. This realignment is driven by a desire to promote European interests and values, while also recognizing the need for greater cooperation and coordination with regional actors. For example, the European Union's (EU) Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) has been actively promoting its own military and civilian capabilities in the Middle East, in response to growing concerns about regional stability.