Politics · Italy · 3 hrs ago
Weber says European People’s Party will not work with Vannacci
Manfred Weber, who leads the European People’s Party (EPP), says it will work only with partners who support Europe, Ukraine and the rule of law.
His comments rule out cooperation with groups that do not meet those conditions, including the political circle around Italy’s Roberto Vannacci.
Vannacci’s Futuro Nazionale is described as close to Germany’s Alternative for Germany party.
Weber warns that greater power for the far right could weaken European solidarity, including through cuts to the EU budget.
On 12 October, EPP delegations are meeting in Taormina, Sicily, for two days of discussions, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also due to attend.
The meeting will review the party’s work and begin preparing its vision for the 2029 European elections.
Weber says the EPP wants to address public concerns, including energy costs and migration, without following populist agendas.
Manfred Weber said the European People’s Party will work only with partners who support Europe, Ukraine and the rule of law.
The EPP president said that this position rules out cooperation with people who do not meet those criteria.
Weber said Vannacci and Germany’s AfD are friends, and noted that the AfD wants major cuts to the EU budget.
He warned that greater power for the far right could damage European solidarity.
Weber was due to bring EPP delegations together in Taormina for two days of discussions starting on 12 October.
- Who
- Manfred Weber, president of the European People’s Party and its group in the European Parliament.
- What
- Weber said the EPP will cooperate only with partners who support Europe, Ukraine and the rule of law.
- When
- The remarks were published on 11 October 2026.
- Where
- Taormina, Italy, where Weber was due to meet EPP delegations.
- Why
- Weber said the EPP’s European-level partnership criteria are based on support for Europe, Ukraine and the rule of law.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
As the EPP, we collaborate only with those who are pro-Europe, pro-Ukraine and pro-rule of law.
If the far right gets more power, it will destroy European solidarity.
Corriere della Sera published its interview with Manfred Weber.
Weber was due to bring EPP delegations together in Taormina for two days of discussions.
- Meeting location
- Taormina, Italy
- Meeting start
- 12 October 2026
- Meeting length
- Two days
- EPP partnership criteria
- Pro-Europe, pro-Ukraine and pro-rule of law
- AfD budget position
- Major cuts to the EU budget
Sources
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