During a joint press conference in Rome with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni voiced strong concerns over the impact of rigid environmental policies on Europe’s industrial competitiveness.

Meloni emphasized that while ecological sustainability is a critical goal, the European Union must ensure its green transition does not compromise economic and social stability—especially in manufacturing-intensive nations like Italy and Germany.

"In a desert, nothing grows," Meloni stated, underscoring the need to prevent what she referred to as the "desertification" of Europe’s industrial base. She warned that overly strict regulations, particularly in the automotive sector, could undermine Europe’s long-standing manufacturing leadership.

She advocated for a more inclusive technological approach to decarbonization—one that goes beyond battery-electric vehicles to incorporate solutions such as biofuels and hydrogen. According to Meloni, relying too heavily on electrification poses strategic risks, given the EU’s current dependence on external supply chains for critical components and raw materials.

Meloni also called for an updated framework for emissions regulation. She proposed that EU climate policies should evaluate the environmental impact of vehicles across their entire life cycle, not solely based on tailpipe emissions.

Her remarks follow recent developments in the European Parliament, where lawmakers voted to ease certain emissions targets for automakers. Under new proposals, car manufacturers would be assessed on average emissions between 2025 and 2027, rather than on a single year’s performance—a move intended to offer greater flexibility and mitigate the threat of steep fines.

Highlighting the strategic importance of industrial resilience, Meloni stressed the shared responsibility of Italy and Germany—Europe’s two largest manufacturing economies—to lead on policies that support innovation while preserving competitiveness. She identified the automotive industry as a prime area for deepening bilateral cooperation.

As Europe continues to recalibrate its path toward decarbonization, Meloni’s comments reflect a growing call among industrial stakeholders for a balanced approach—one that champions sustainability without sidelining productivity and regional autonomy.