ROME (AP) — A large pro-Europe rally took place in Rome’s city center on Saturday, with tens of thousands of Italians waving blue European Union flags to show their support and unity amid a growing divide over European rearmament. The initiative, backed by several center-left opposition parties, was spearheaded by Italian journalist Michele Serra in late February with an editorial in La Repubblica titled: “Let’s voice our European convictions.” Serra emphasized the need for citizens to come together in support of Europe’s unity and freedom, using only European flags without any party affiliations. The rallying cry became: “Here we build Europe, or we perish.”
This movement was a response to the destabilizing policies of U.S. President Donald Trump, which have strained relations between Europe and the U.S. over conflicts like the war in Ukraine and ongoing trade disputes. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni reluctantly backed an EU plan to bolster Europe’s defense capabilities, despite concerns about the impact on Italy’s large debt and the redirection of funds towards military spending. The EU proposal aims to raise approximately 800 billion euros over the next four years, primarily through increased defense and security spending by member states.
While Meloni supported the EU plan externally, she criticized it internally, preferring to focus on strengthening common defense and security rather than “rearmament.” The pro-Europe rally in Rome’s Piazza del Popolo, attended by at least 30,000 people, brought together Italians from various political backgrounds and parties in a display of unity for democracy and freedom.
Notably, right-wing government parties did not participate in the demonstration, standing behind Meloni’s stance on the EU plan. Vice Premier Matteo Salvini of the eurosceptic League party voiced his criticism, emphasizing the need to reform the EU rather than engage in symbolic gestures. Amidst differing opinions on Europe’s future, the rally underscored the importance of defending fundamental values that should not be taken for granted.
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This report includes contributions from Associated Press journalist Trisha Thomas.
