Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed optimism about building strong relations with Friedrich Merz, the conservative German politician set to become chancellor on May 6, 2025. Meloni, who leads a right-wing government in Rome, has been in contact with Merz in recent weeks, following a meeting ahead of Germany’s February 2025 elections. She conveyed confidence in their future cooperation to Italy’s Adnkronos news agency, highlighting shared views, particularly on the EU’s Green Deal and competitiveness.
The two leaders are expected to meet at upcoming international summits, and Merz is slated to visit Rome shortly after taking office. Meloni’s positive outlook is further bolstered by her established ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, which she believes could complement Merz’s transatlantic priorities.
The EU Green Deal is a comprehensive policy framework launched by the European Union in 2019 to make Europe climate-neutral by 2050. It aims to transform the EU’s economy and society through ambitious environmental, economic, and social reforms. Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with a 55% reduction target by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Register for Tekedia Mini-MBA edition 17 (June 9 – Sept 6, 2025) today for early bird discounts. Do annual for access to Blucera.com.
Tekedia AI in Business Masterclass opens registrations.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-invest in great global startups.
Register to become a better CEO or Director with Tekedia CEO & Director Program.
Promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and phasing out fossil fuels. Implementing a circular economy, reducing waste, and fostering green technologies. Protecting ecosystems, halting biodiversity loss, and restoring degraded environments. Reforming food systems via the Farm to Fork Strategy to promote eco-friendly farming and reduce pesticide use. Expanding low-emission mobility, including electric vehicles and sustainable aviation fuels.
Mobilizing at least €1 trillion through the EU budget, private investments, and mechanisms like the Just Transition Fund to support regions dependent on fossil fuels. Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s Prime Minister, and Friedrich Merz, Germany’s incoming chancellor, have expressed shared concerns about the EU Green Deal’s impact on economic competitiveness. Meloni has criticized certain aspects, like the 2035 ban on internal combustion engine vehicles, arguing it burdens industries, particularly Italy’s automotive sector.
Merz, leading the CDU, also emphasizes balancing environmental goals with economic growth, advocating for adjustments to Green Deal policies to protect German industries like manufacturing. Their alignment suggests potential cooperation to reshape or moderate the Green Deal’s implementation, prioritizing pragmatism and transatlantic coordination, especially with figures like U.S. President Donald Trump, who favors deregulation.
The shared stance of Giorgia Meloni and Friedrich Merz on the EU Green Deal, coupled with their intent to foster good relations, carries significant implications for the EU, transatlantic ties, and global climate policy. Meloni and Merz’s focus on competitiveness suggests they may push for revising Green Deal targets, such as the 2035 internal combustion engine ban or stringent emissions rules, to ease burdens on industries like Italy’s automotive sector and Germany’s manufacturing base.
Their influence could lead to more flexible timelines or exemptions, prioritizing economic stability over rapid decarbonization, potentially delaying aspects of the 2050 climate-neutrality goal. Their push for reform may clash with progressive EU states (e.g., Nordic countries) and the European Commission, risking divisions within the EU on climate policy. By advocating for policies that safeguard jobs in automotive, manufacturing, and energy-intensive industries, Meloni and Merz could bolster economic resilience in Italy and Germany, the EU’s second- and third-largest economies.
Slowing Green Deal measures might delay the shift to green technologies, potentially ceding leadership in renewables or electric vehicles to competitors like China or the U.S. A focus on affordability could lead to prolonged reliance on fossil fuels, impacting energy prices and security, especially given global market volatility. Meloni’s ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, combined with Merz’s transatlantic focus, could align EU policies with a U.S. administration skeptical of aggressive climate mandates.
This might foster trade agreements or energy partnerships but weaken global climate commitments. If the EU softens its Green Deal under Meloni and Merz’s influence, it risks losing its position as a global climate leader, especially if the U.S. under Trump prioritizes deregulation over emissions cuts. Meloni (Brothers of Italy) and Merz (CDU) represent conservative forces gaining ground in Europe. Their collaboration could embolden other right-leaning governments (e.g., in Hungary or Poland) to challenge EU policies, shifting the bloc’s political balance.
As Germany’s new chancellor, Merz’s alignment with Meloni could reshape the traditional Franco-German axis, with Italy gaining influence. However, this risks friction with France’s Emmanuel Macron, who supports a strong Green Deal. If Germany and Italy, key EU players, dilute the Green Deal, it could undermine global climate efforts, especially ahead of COP30 in 2025, where updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are due.
A less ambitious EU stance might discourage other major economies (e.g., India, Brazil) from strengthening their climate pledges, slowing progress toward Paris Agreement goals. By prioritizing jobs and affordability, Meloni and Merz could strengthen domestic support among voters concerned about the economic costs of green transitions, countering far-right and populist critiques.
Environmental activists and younger voters may criticize any rollback of Green Deal measures, potentially fueling protests or boosting Green parties in future elections. Meloni and Merz’s collaboration could reshape the EU Green Deal into a more industry-friendly framework, aligning with transatlantic priorities under a Trump-led U.S. While this may protect short-term economic interests and strengthen their political standing, it risks delaying climate goals, straining EU unity, and diminishing the bloc’s global environmental leadership.