France has summoned Italy’s ambassador in response to Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s sharp criticism of President Emmanuel Macron’s Ukraine aid proposal. Salvini’s use of a Milanese dialect expression, interpreted as ‘get lost,’ has sparked diplomatic tensions between the two NATO allies. The incident highlights growing diplomatic friction between France and Italy over the direction of European Union foreign policy, particularly regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Salvini, a prominent member of the Brothers of Italy party, has long been a vocal critic of Macron’s leadership within the European Union. His comments came during a recent political debate in Milan, where he expressed skepticism about the feasibility and timing of Macron’s proposal to increase military and financial support for Ukraine. The remark, which was made in a Milanese dialect, has been widely reported in Italian media, prompting France to take diplomatic action.
France and Italy, both members of the G7 and NATO, have been working closely on coordinating responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Macron’s proposal, which includes increased military and economic aid to Ukraine, has been a key part of France’s strategy to support the country. The Italian government, however, has been more cautious in its approach, emphasizing the need for a balanced and sustainable strategy for European security.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential impact on EU unity and coordination in dealing with the ongoing conflict. Analysts suggest that the clash between France and Italy could affect the effectiveness of collective European responses, particularly as key decisions on military aid and sanctions are set to be discussed in upcoming EU meetings. The French foreign ministry has called for a dialogue to resolve the dispute, while Italy is expected to respond with its own diplomatic démarche.