Germany and Italy Deepen Strategic Cooperation on Defense, Economy, and Migration

Germany and Italy have bolstered their partnership through a series of agreements signed during government consultations in Rome on January 23, 2026. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni finalized eight accords aimed at enhancing cooperation in defense, economic competitiveness, and migration policy.

Key measures include intensified defense collaboration on joint projects involving drones, missile defense, naval systems, and military training exercises. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to NATO and reiterated support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Economically, they aim to inject new momentum into the EU internal market by streamlining regulatory approvals and fostering competitiveness. Energy cooperation will intensify with a focus on gas supplies and hydrogen development, strengthening Germany's links with North African energy sources.

In migration, Germany and Italy plan an innovative EU-wide border protection strategy with increased repatriations aligned with international law and partnerships with countries of origin and transit, leveraging Italy's existing asylum processing center in Albania.

At a joint press conference, Merz emphasized the unprecedented closeness of their relationship and outlined two primary goals: developing competitive industries and enhancing security. Meloni highlighted more ambitious partnership goals and underscored that European nations must take responsibility rather than rely on others. Both countries signed two primary documents: a Strategic Cooperation Action Plan and a declaration on defense and security collaboration, aiming to reduce EU bureaucracy and promote legislative restraint.

This strengthened cooperation comes amid shifting European dynamics, with Merz clarifying that Germany maintains no hierarchical relationships among EU partners, including in light of current tensions with France. The agreements showcase a comprehensive, multidimensional partnership between Germany and Italy geared toward shared security, economic growth, and migration management within the EU framework.