ECR’s Meloni secures executive vice presidency in EU Commission 

The leader of Forza Italia (EPP) in the European Parliament, Fulvio Martusciello, confirmed that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to grant Italy an executive vice presidency despite the ECR not being part of the pro-European majority in the Parliament. 

"In the EPP group meeting, group leader Weber announced the strategy of the Commission President, who will have 14 commissioners from the EPP. There will indeed be four executive vice presidents, and one will go to Italy," said Martusciello in a statement. 

"Weber recalled last week's meeting with Tajani and Meloni and emphasized the need for Italy to play a leading role in the next Commission. Thus, Italy, in a Commission with a strong EPP presence of 14 commissioners, will be a key player," Martusciello added. 

The Forza Italia leader did not specify the portfolios that Raffaele Fitto, the Italian Minister of EU Affairs will hold.

However, yesterday (3 September), a report by Die Welt suggested that Fitto would be given responsibilities for economic affairs and the Recovery Fund. 

If this plan is confirmed, it would be a significant victory for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She has asked for a "leading role" for Italy since the European elections in June, which saw her party, Fratelli d'Italia (ECR), strengthened – unlike those in countries such as France and Germany. 

Observers had thought that Meloni's choice to vote against von der Leyen's reappointment had permanently damaged Italy's chances of securing what the prime minister was demanding. 

However, Meloni's decision to announce Italy's commissioner candidate on the very day of von der Leyen's imposed deadline may have masked a last-minute negotiation. 

The executive vice presidency for Fitto could also yield significant political success domestically, demonstrating that Meloni can achieve better results than her opposition despite not being part of the pro-Europe majority consisting of the EPP, S&D, Renew, and the Greens. 

In 2019, the then-governing Democratic Party secured the economy portfolio for Paolo Gentiloni but did not obtain the vice presidency despite being with S&D in the majority. 

[Edited by Martina Monti]