French President Emmanuel Macron will host Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Thursday in the French resort town of Antibes as both leaders seek to strengthen ties after years of strained relations.
The meeting at Villa Eilenroc, a 19th-century residence overlooking the Mediterranean, will mark the first bilateral summit between the two leaders since the strategic alliance treaty between France and Italy came into force in 2021.
French officials said the talks would focus on several strategic sectors.
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"This summit will provide an opportunity to deepen Franco-Italian cooperation in several strategic sectors, notably defence, nuclear energy, and space," the French presidency said, per a report by Hindustan Times.
Ahead of the meeting, the French presidency stressed the importance of cooperation between the two countries, saying, "We need each other."
Depuis le G7 d’Évian, nous vivons un moment important : la reconvergence entre Européens et Américains sur l'Ukraine et le Moyen-Orient.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 24, 2026
Pour avancer et soutenir cet élan, je retrouve à Berlin, nos partenaires allemand, anglais, italien et polonais.
Prochaine étape clé :… pic.twitter.com/8wNGADRwJX
Long-standing differences remain
Relations between Macron, a pro-European centrist, and Meloni, who leads a right-wing coalition in Italy, have often been difficult.
Despite political differences, both leaders have attempted to improve ties in recent years. A lengthy meeting in Rome last year was seen as an effort to reduce tensions between the two governments.
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Their interactions have occasionally attracted public attention. During a summit in Paris in April, Macron greeted Meloni with a double kiss, a moment that briefly surprised the Italian leader before both shared a laugh.
Trump fallout changes dynamics
Meloni had often presented herself as a bridge between Europe and US President Donald Trump. However, her recent differences with Trump have altered the political landscape.
According to analysts cited by HT, her criticism of what she described as Trump's "constant, unprovoked attacks" could help improve relations with Paris.
Political analyst Marc Lazar said the two leaders were attempting to build on recent efforts to improve ties.
"There will be photos, they'll kiss each other warmly on both cheeks, and she'll stop sulking when she sees Macron," Lazar was quoted as saying by HT.
Defence and energy agreements expected
France and Italy are expected to sign agreements covering defence, nuclear energy and space cooperation.
The two sides are also expected to advance cooperation on the Franco-Italian SAMP/T air defence system supplied to Ukraine and discuss plans for a European satellite network intended to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink.
While differences remain on migration and Ukraine, Thursday's summit is expected to focus on areas of shared interest and closer cooperation.
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FAQs:
Why are Macron and Meloni meeting?
The leaders are meeting to strengthen cooperation and improve bilateral relations.
What issues will Macron and Meloni discuss?
Defence, nuclear energy, space cooperation and broader France-Italy ties are expected to dominate the talks.
