Defence ministers expected to sign 2026–2031 roadmap and new vision for security in the Mediterranean
Paris and Rome are set to reaffirm defence ties at the Franco-Italian summit on Thursday, although the defence focus is likely to be on consolidating existing cooperation rather than launching new initiatives.
The Antibes summit takes place amid strained relations between Paris and Rome in recent years, marked by tensions between Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron. Against this backdrop, the Elysée stated that the summit’s aim is a “return to the fundamentals”.
Defence will nevertheless play a significant role, with defence ministers Guido Crosetto and Catherine Vautrin expected to sign a new defence cooperation roadmap covering the 2026–2031 period, the Élysée confirmed.
Eight ministers from both countries will be present at the Italian-French summit: the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defence, Economy, Energy, Interior, Transport, Agriculture, Culture, Education, and Research.
