By Sama Marwan,
Tens of thousands of Italians gathered in central Rome on Saturday in a pro-Europe demonstration, waving blue EU flags as a symbol of support and unity. The rally comes at a time when Europe’s push for rearmament is causing political divisions in Italy.
A Call for European Unity
Italian journalist Michele Serra launched this initiative, which is backed by most center-left opposition parties, despite their differing positions. The idea was first introduced in February through an editorial in the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica, titled “Let’s Say Something European.”
“I wanted to organize a massive demonstration for citizens who support Europe, its unity, and freedom—without party flags, just European flags,” Serra said, coining the slogan: “Here, we build Europe, or we die.”
A Response to Trump’s Unstable Policies
The initiative was born as a reaction to the destabilizing policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which have created an unprecedented rift between Europe and the United States, particularly over the war in Ukraine and ongoing tariff disputes.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reluctantly supported the EU’s rearmament plan, fearing that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s proposal could worsen Italy’s already massive debt, redirecting much-needed funds toward military spending.
The EU’s plan aims to generate around €800 billion over the next four years, with the bulk of this funding coming from member states increasing their national defense and security budgets.
A Divided Italy
Domestically, Meloni has publicly criticized the rearmament plan, rejecting the term “rearmament” as misleading and urging European partners to focus instead on joint defense and security efforts.
Saturday’s pro-Europe rally saw at least 50,000 people fill Piazza del Popolo in Rome. The organizers emphasized that the demonstration brought together Italians from across the political spectrum, united “in the name of democracy.”
“We are here to defend freedom and democracy,” said protester Daniela Condotto. “These are concepts we have taken for granted for 80 years, but we must actively defend them.”
Government Reactions
The right-wing ruling parties ignored the demonstration, standing behind Meloni, who is struggling to mediate between Trump and the EU.
Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani commented ahead of the rally:
“There must be support for Europe, but through tangible reforms, not symbolic events.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the EU-skeptic League Party, openly criticized the EU:
“While some people wave flags, we are working to change this Europe, which is crushing workers, farmers, and entrepreneurs with its absurd rules.”
