Italy’s Pro-Europe Rally Draws Tens of Thousands in Rome

Italy’s Pro-Europe Rally Draws Tens of Thousands in Rome \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Tens of thousands of Italians gathered in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo on Saturday for a pro-Europe rally, waving EU flags in a show of unity. The demonstration, initiated by journalist Michele Serra, aimed to counter rising euroskepticism and reinforce European values. Premier Giorgia Meloni has criticized EU rearmament plans, while opposition leaders back stronger European integration. Right-wing government parties dismissed the rally as symbolic.

Pro-Europe Rally in Rome: Quick Looks

• Massive Turnout: Over 30,000 demonstrators filled Rome’s Piazza del Popolo to show support for European unity.
• Initiative by Journalist Michele Serra: The rally was launched under the slogan “Here we make Europe, or we die.”
• Context: The rally responded to Trump’s destabilizing policies, EU defense funding, and growing euroskepticism.
• Meloni’s Stance: The Italian Prime Minister supports European defense but opposes rearmament, fearing economic strain.
• Government Response: Right-wing leaders, including Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani, criticized the rally as symbolic rather than productive.

Deep Look

Tens of Thousands Gather in Rome for Pro-EU Demonstration

On Saturday, an estimated 30,000 Italians flooded Rome’s iconic Piazza del Popolo, waving European Union flags in a passionate demonstration of support for European unity. The pro-Europe rally, a rare display of unity across different political backgrounds, was launched as a response to rising euroskepticism, Italy’s internal divisions over EU military funding, and growing tensions with the United States over defense policies.

The event was initiated by Italian journalist Michele Serra, who proposed the idea in an editorial published in La Repubblica titled “Let’s Say Something European.” His call for action quickly gained momentum, drawing support from center-left opposition parties and pro-EU citizens concerned about Italy’s shifting political landscape.

“I wanted to organize a large demonstration of citizens supporting Europe, its unity, and its freedom, with no party flags, only European flags,” Serra explained.

The rally’s powerful slogan, “Here we make Europe, or we die,” underscored the urgent need to defend European democratic values and combat the rise of nationalist forces.

A Response to Trump’s Policies and EU Defense Debates

The demonstration was, in part, a reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump’s shifting policies toward Europe, which have created an unprecedented strain on transatlantic relations. Tensions have escalated over issues such as:

• The war in Ukraine, with concerns over diminishing U.S. support for European defense.
• The ongoing trade dispute between the EU and the U.S.
• Trump’s criticisms of NATO, which have fueled fears of European vulnerability.

At the same time, the European Union is debating an ambitious military spending proposal spearheaded by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The plan aims to raise €800 billion over four years, with the bulk of funding coming from individual member states increasing their national defense budgets.

While some leaders view the initiative as necessary for European security, others—particularly in Italy—have expressed concerns about its financial impact.

Meloni’s Reluctant Support and Internal Conflicts

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has found herself in a delicate position, caught between her far-right coalition government, her pro-European responsibilities as Italy’s leader, and external pressures from Trump’s policies.

While she reluctantly backs the EU’s defense initiative, she has raised strong reservations about the economic burden it could place on Italy, which already struggles with one of the highest public debts in Europe.

“Rearmament is a misleading term,” Meloni stated, urging European leaders to focus on collective defense rather than an arms race.

Her balancing act reflects a broader concern within her government: How can Italy remain a committed EU member while protecting its economic interests and maintaining diplomatic ties with Washington?

Government vs. Opposition: Political Reactions to the Rally

While the center-left opposition parties and pro-European activists embraced the demonstration, Italy’s right-wing government dismissed it as an empty political statement.

Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Foreign Minister and Vice Premier, downplayed the significance of the rally, arguing that symbolic protests won’t solve the EU’s problems.

“There must be support for Europe, but with concrete reforms, not symbolic events,” he stated.

Far-right Vice Premier Matteo Salvini, leader of the euroskeptic League party, was even more critical.

“While some people demonstrate with flags, we work to change this Europe, which crushes workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs with its absurd rules,” Salvini remarked, reinforcing his stance against EU bureaucracy.

Despite government criticism, the rally’s non-partisan nature helped draw participants from across the political spectrum, uniting Italians under a shared vision of democracy and European solidarity.

Pro-EU Demonstrators: A Call for Democracy and Freedom

Many attendees at the rally expressed their deep concern over the future of Europe and the rise of nationalist movements across the continent.

“We are here to defend freedom and democracy,” said Daniela Condotto, a demonstrator at the rally.
“These are concepts we have taken for granted for 80 years, but they must be defended.”

The demonstration also reflected a wider European struggle—one that pits pro-EU integration forces against nationalist movements advocating for a more independent approach to governance and economic policies.

Why the EU Defense Proposal Sparks Controversy

The €800 billion defense plan put forth by the European Commission represents the most ambitious military funding project in EU history.

• Supporters argue that it is necessary for Europe’s security, particularly as U.S. foreign policy under Trump appears increasingly unreliable regarding NATO commitments.
• Critics warn that the economic burden could severely impact member states with high debt, such as Italy, Greece, and Spain.

Meloni’s concerns about the plan’s financial feasibility have resonated with Italian citizens who fear that increased defense spending could lead to cuts in public services, pensions, and infrastructure investments.

The Future of Italy’s Role in the EU

Italy’s political future within the European Union remains uncertain, as debates over military funding, economic stability, and sovereignty continue to divide the nation.

• EU Defense Spending: Italy seeks financial safeguards before committing to increased military spending.
• Right vs. Left Divide: Italy’s pro-European forces clash with nationalists advocating for greater independence from Brussels.
• Upcoming EU Negotiations: Future budget discussions and security agreements will shape Italy’s stance on EU integration and defense policies.

With growing political tensions at home and abroad, the question remains: Will Italy embrace a stronger European identity, or will nationalist pressures push the country toward a more independent path?

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

Italy’s pro-Europe rally was a bold statement of unity, showcasing widespread public support for democracy, freedom, and European solidarity. Yet, it also highlighted the deep divisions within Italy over the future of its role in the European Union.

With Premier Giorgia Meloni walking a political tightrope, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether Italy aligns more closely with Brussels or continues to chart a more nationalist course.

One thing is clear: The debate over Europe’s future is far from over.

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