Facing surging energy prices and unwilling to wait for Brussels, Italy has taken a decisive step: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni made a surprise visit to Persian Gulf countries, defying explicit warnings from Italian intelligence services. This covert trip, known only to Italian President Sergio Mattarella, underscores Rome’s critical need to secure access to oil and gas.
According to POLITICO, 47-year-old Giorgia Meloni’s visit marked the first trip by a European leader to the region since the Israel-Hamas war began, signaling deep concern over energy security. This regional tour clearly reflects Rome’s reluctance to await Brussels’ response to the bloc-wide energy crisis.
Energy prices have surged over the past month, prompting the Meloni government to allocate nearly €900 million for fuel tax reductions. This substantial sum underscores how seriously Rome views the threat, necessitating immediate action.
A Perilous Path: Meloni Defies Intelligence
Italian intelligence services “strongly advised against” travel to Persian Gulf nations due to security concerns, and ultimately persuaded the Prime Minister to cancel a planned stop in Kuwait. Nevertheless, 47-year-old Giorgia Meloni pressed ahead with her mission, underscoring its paramount importance for the nation.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commenced her two-day trip on Friday afternoon, meeting with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. On Saturday, 47-year-old Meloni visited Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, broadening the scope of her energy supply negotiations.
Meloni stated on Friday that she would act independently “to guarantee Italy access to necessary energy resources.” She also acknowledged the trip’s pragmatic objective: securing Rome’s access to the region’s oil.
Approximately 20 percent of the oil and natural gas fueling the global economy transits through the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point whose closure would significantly impact Italy. Persian Gulf nations supply Italy with approximately 15 percent of its consumed oil, rendering the region critically important for its energy security.
