by Sebastien Goulard
The 36th France–Italy Summit took place in Antibes, southern France, on 25 June 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met to discuss key issues relating to bilateral cooperation between France and Italy.
Although relations between the two leaders have not always been smooth, they now share a common ambition to strengthen cooperation across the northern Mediterranean.
Among the topics discussed were defence, nuclear energy, and the aerospace industry. The two leaders also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and expressed their shared commitment to restoring stability in Lebanon.
Connectivity in the Mediterranean, including the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), was also high on the agenda. France and Italy committed to strengthening links between Southern Europe and the Middle East and to promoting the Mediterranean as a major hub for global trade.
Both countries are also expanding their partnerships with India, as illustrated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rome last May, followed by the meeting between the French President and the Indian Prime Minister during the Bharat Innovates event held in Nice on 14 June.
Closer cooperation between France and Italy on IMEEC will be essential to avoid unnecessary competition, better coordinate investments, and accelerate the development of a corridor that has the potential to become a key pillar of Mediterranean connectivity and international trade.
