Macron and Meloni meet in Antibes for key Franco-Italian summit
Emmanuel Macron and Giorgia Meloni are meeting in Antibes today for a major Franco-Italian summit focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, energy, business and European affairs.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are meeting in Antibes today for the first Franco-Italian summit since 2020, as the two neighbouring countries seek to strengthen ties after several years of political tensions.
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The summit, the first since Meloni took office and the first held under the Quirinal Treaty signed in 2021, brings together the two leaders alongside eight ministers from each government.
Discussions are expected to focus on defence, civil nuclear energy, the space industry, transport infrastructure, agriculture, culture, research and European affairs.
One of the main expected outcomes is the signing of a new Franco-Italian defence roadmap for 2026–2031, including closer cooperation on European air defence systems.
The two countries are also expected to advance collaboration on small modular nuclear reactors and the "Bromo" project, aimed at strengthening Europe's satellite industry.
Economic cooperation will also be high on the agenda during a business forum in Le Cannet, where ministers and industry leaders will discuss investment, mobility, cross-border transport and industrial sovereignty.
Fashion organisations from both countries are also set to sign a new cooperation agreement.
Macron and Meloni will also visit the Picasso Museum in Antibes, where a cultural partnership on heritage protection is expected to be signed.
The meeting comes as France and Italy look to reinforce one of Europe's closest partnerships.
The two countries recorded more than €100 billion in trade in 2025, while France remains Italy's largest foreign investor.
Despite past disagreements over issues including migration and European politics, both governments say today's summit is an opportunity to reset relations and deepen cooperation on shared strategic challenges.