Italian President Sergio Mattarella has said that Europe is both opposed and envied on the world stage because it stands against the predatory visions that are re-emerging in international affairs. Speaking at a forum in Cernobbio, Mattarella pointed to the return of power ambitions and neo-colonial temptations among states, describing the tendency to restore policies of domination as a worrying development.
The president warned that the international order built after the Second World War is being challenged by those who seek to impose their will through force rather than through dialogue and cooperation. He argued that Europe's commitment to rules-based relations, human dignity, and peaceful conflict resolution makes it a target for criticism from actors who view international politics primarily as a contest of strength.
Mattarella's remarks come at a time when the war in Ukraine has exposed deep divisions between Western democracies and authoritarian powers. He suggested that Europe's very existence as a project of voluntary cooperation among sovereign nations is perceived as a threat by those who prefer spheres of influence and unilateral action. The president stressed that the European Union represents an alternative model of governance based on shared values rather than coercion.
According to Mattarella, the envy directed at Europe stems from its ability to offer its citizens prosperity, social protection, and freedom, while its opponents see these achievements as obstacles to their own ambitions. He called on European leaders to remain united and to defend the principles that have guaranteed peace and stability on the continent for decades. The president also emphasised the importance of maintaining transatlantic solidarity in the face of common challenges.
The Italian head of state did not name specific countries, but his comments were widely interpreted as a reference to Russia's aggression against Ukraine and to the broader geopolitical competition between democratic and autocratic systems. He noted that history has shown the consequences of appeasing aggressive powers and that Europe must learn from the past to avoid repeating its mistakes.
Mattarella also addressed the internal challenges facing the European project, including the need to strengthen democratic institutions and to counter disinformation that seeks to undermine public trust. He argued that Europe's critics often exploit internal divisions to weaken its resolve and that citizens must remain vigilant against attempts to distort the continent's history and values.
The president concluded by reaffirming his conviction that Europe's model of integration, despite its imperfections, remains a beacon of hope for peoples around the world who aspire to live in freedom and dignity. He expressed confidence that the continent would overcome current difficulties by staying true to its founding ideals of peace, solidarity, and respect for human rights.