Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Vannacci Calls for Less EU Integration at Italian Summit
Roberto Vannacci is a rising right-wing politician in Italy.
He spoke at a large meeting attended by business leaders.
He said the European Union should make fewer rules for businesses.
He also said European countries should cooperate without giving the EU more political power.
Vannacci wants Europe to protect what he calls its shared culture and civilization.
Former Prime Minister Mario Monti strongly disagreed and warned that Vannacci’s language could encourage anger and resentment.
Some people at the meeting supported Vannacci, while others applauded Monti more warmly.
The discussion showed different ideas about the future of Europe and the European Union.
Far-right politician Roberto Vannacci urged the European Union to cut red tape and halt political integration.
Vannacci said the EU should defend Europe’s cultural identity and act as a platform for cooperation rather than coercion.
Former Prime Minister Mario Monti accused Vannacci of using rhetoric that could fuel resentment similar to Benito Mussolini’s.
Vannacci’s Futuro Nazionale party is drawing support from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s coalition ahead of expected elections next year.
Rassemblement National leader Jordan Bardella called for major EU changes while preserving the bloc and strengthening growth and borders.
- Who
- Roberto Vannacci, Mario Monti and Jordan Bardella were among the politicians discussing the European Union.
- What
- Vannacci called for less EU political integration, fewer regulations and greater protection of Europe’s cultural identity.
- When
- The remarks were made on Saturday, September 5; Italy’s next elections are expected the following year.
- Where
- At the annual TEHA Ambrosetti conference in Cernobbio, on the shores of Lake Como, Italy.
- Why
- Vannacci argued that EU rules hinder economic initiative and that Europe should focus on cooperation, borders and cultural identity.
Critics of Vannacci’s Approach
Supporters of Vannacci’s Approach
European integration
Critics of Vannacci’s Approach
Mario Monti warned against Vannacci’s rhetoric and defended the need to resist politics based on resentment.
Supporters of Vannacci’s Approach
Vannacci argued that the EU should halt political integration and become a platform for cooperation rather than coercion.
EU regulation and business
Critics of Vannacci’s Approach
Critics favor retaining political cooperation and are concerned that anti-EU rhetoric could undermine the European project.
Supporters of Vannacci’s Approach
Vannacci said EU rules hobble economic initiative and that businesses need fewer regulations to flourish.
Europe’s identity and borders
Critics of Vannacci’s Approach
Monti and other supporters of the current European approach rejected Vannacci’s framing as dangerous rhetoric; some guests nevertheless backed his EU criticism.
Supporters of Vannacci’s Approach
Vannacci called for Europe to defend its culture and civilization, while Jordan Bardella supported an EU focused on growth and stronger borders.
- Event
- Annual TEHA Ambrosetti business conference
- Location
- Cernobbio, Italy, on Lake Como
- Main speaker
- Roberto Vannacci, a former general and leader of Futuro Nazionale
- Vannacci’s EU position
- He called for less political integration, fewer rules and an EU based on collaboration rather than coercion.
- Monti’s response
- Mario Monti warned that Vannacci’s rhetoric could stoke dissatisfaction and resentment.
- Political impact
- Vannacci’s party is reported to be siphoning support from Giorgia Meloni’s coalition.
- Other European view
- Jordan Bardella advocated changing the EU while preserving it as a Europe of growth and borders.