Italy is navigating a period marked by uncertainty, overlapping crises, and global instability, yet its partnership with the United States remains a strategic pillar. That bond is not only well understood in Rome, but also widely recognized across Europe as essential for political balance, economic growth, and international security.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 18th Conference of Italian Ambassadors held at the Foreign Ministry in Rome, Italy’s ambassador to Washington, Marco Peronaci, emphasized that long-standing friendships require honesty and clarity. Italy, he noted, remains firmly anchored to the European Union, which it sees as an indispensable political and economic framework. At the same time, Italy embraces an Atlantic outlook that aligns naturally with its European identity rather than conflicting with it.
According to Ambassador Peronaci, this dual positioning allows Italy to act as a bridge between Europe and North America – two continents connected by centuries of shared history and by a future that remains deeply intertwined. When the United States, Italy, and Europe are aligned, he argued, diplomatic negotiations are more likely to yield concrete results. Recent examples include coordinated efforts on Ukraine and joint engagement in the Middle East, where even fragile ceasefires require sustained transatlantic cooperation.
The ambassador pointed out that today’s challenges are numerous, ranging from security and humanitarian crises to economic pressures. Still, the transatlantic community remains strong, and Italy plays a central role within it. This strength is particularly evident in the current phase of bilateral relations between Rome and Washington, which Peronaci described as especially promising.
At the leadership level, shared positions on peace initiatives, economic development, migration management, and engagement in Africa have helped reinforce cooperation. The rapport between Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and President Donald Trump, he added, has had positive ripple effects across institutions and industries. One tangible outcome is a notable surge in Italian investment in the United States, both ongoing and planned, involving billions of dollars across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and advanced technology.
This economic momentum is accompanied by strong people-to-people ties. Travel flows show growing numbers of Americans visiting Italy, while Italian migration and professional mobility toward the US remain consistently high. Looking ahead, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the US Constitution – a milestone to which Italian thinkers also contributed. To commemorate the occasion, Italy and the United States are planning an extensive calendar of joint cultural events, further strengthening a relationship built on shared values, dialogue, and long-term vision.
