Italian general and MEP Roberto Vannacci has officially finalized his move to the most radical group in the European Parliament—the European Sovereign Nations (ENS). This decision marks a break from the Patriots for Europe group, where he previously sat as a representative of the League. Vannacci declared full alignment of views with the German AfD on issues of sovereignty, foreign policy, and opposition to EU federalism, which has sparked sharp reactions from the Italian opposition and distancing from the government in Rome.

Transfer to the ENS Group

Roberto Vannacci officially left the Patriots for Europe group and joined the AfD-dominated European Sovereign Nations group.

Opposition to Aid for Ukraine

The general declared that one cannot consider dying for Kyiv and called for a change in the EU's foreign policy in this regard.

New Political Project

The politician announced plans to develop the Futuro Nazionale movement, which is to become a platform for the sovereigntist right in Italy.

Distance from the Government in Rome

Minister Tajani distanced himself from Vannacci's decision, calling it a private choice with no impact on the governing coalition.

The process of political emancipation for General Roberto Vannacci from Matteo Salvini's League has concluded with the official announcement of his joining the European Sovereign Nations (ENS) group. During a press conference in Brussels, Vannacci emphasized that he identifies with the principles upheld by this group, whose core is the German AfD. ENS co-chair René Aust welcomed the Italian general, pointing to an identical vision for economic policy and international affairs, including skepticism towards further support for the conflict in the East. Vannacci, justifying his choice, made a series of controversial declarations regarding security and identity. He unequivocally stated that "one cannot consider dying for Kyiv," which aligns with the line of parties seeking de-escalation by limiting military aid to Ukraine. The general announced a fight for national sovereignty against "European federalism" and the complete rejection of the Green Deal. Simultaneously, he announced plans to federate right-wing circles around his new political project—Futuro Nazionale—stipulating that he is not currently forming a formal coalition with the Meloni government. Since 2024, the European right has been divided into three main blocs: the conservative ECR group, Patriots for Europe, and the most extreme European Sovereign Nations, which attracts groups isolated by the mainstream.„Difenderemo la sovranità nazionale contro il federalismo europeo” (We will defend national sovereignty against European federalism.) — Roberto Vannacci The Italian government is trying to minimize the significance of this transfer for the stability of the cabinet in Rome. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that Vannacci's choice is an individual decision and does not affect the governing majority, as the general is not part of the coalition. Meanwhile, the left-wing opposition is demanding explanations from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, questioning her stance on the political cooperation of her ally (the League) with a politician openly fraternizing with the radical AfD. Vannacci himself described the current government as the "lesser evil," suggesting a maintained distance while lacking the desire to overthrow it in the near term.

Mentioned People

  • Roberto Vannacci — Italian general, Member of the European Parliament, founder of the Futuro Nazionale movement.
  • Antonio Tajani — Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy.
  • René Aust — Co-chair of the European Sovereign Nations group on behalf of the AfD.