In an interview with Repubblica today, Gianfranco Fini takes up a theme that often emerges in the Italian and European public debate in heated tones: the identity of the right and its relationship with the European Union. The words of the founder of Alleanza Nazionale and former Foreign Minister put the idea of a united Europe back at the centre, not by constraint, but by strategic and ideal choice. And they do so in a context – that of the conflict in Ukraine and tensions with Trump’s White House – in which Europe’s stability and credibility are played out on two fronts: common defence and protection of the West’s founding values.

The lesson that we at L’Europeista draw from Fini’s words lies in clearly indicating that a European right, faithful to its patriotic roots, must not and cannot renounce feeling itself a protagonist in a community project. Patriotism, Fini emphasises, is not nationalist closure, but the will to defend the principles of freedom, democracy and independence that today must be protected first and foremost alongside the Ukrainians. Hence the need to recognise that, without the support and cohesion of European states, the Union risks being emptied of political meaning. There is no room for ambiguity or hesitation: if Europe wants to count on the international stage – and even to guarantee its own security – it must act as a united entity, including militarily.

It is time for Europe to develop its own strategy

It is no coincidence that the former Vice-President of the Council defends the need to invest in common defence and invites us not to underestimate the possibility of a sharper US disengagement. The US remains the historical and unavoidable ally, but it is vital that Europe develops its own strategy so as not to have its future imposed by others – Washington as well as Moscow. It is precisely from here, according to the former leader of An, that the value of a Europe that is strengthened thanks also to the commitment of the countries with nuclear deterrence, France and Great Britain, derives.

On the other hand, Fini’s warning is also addressed within the conservative camp. The criticism of those who – from Orban to Salvini – express ambivalent positions towards Putin and Russian aggression is clear: there is no consistency in calling oneself ‘patriots’ if one is then unwilling to defend an aggressed European people. The basis, therefore, is the responsibility and pride of a political tradition in which the defence of Western values is a priority, beyond short-term instrumentalisations.

The historic leader of the Italian right also takes a pragmatic look at the Union: he recognises the errors of a Europe that is sometimes excessively bureaucratic and ‘short-sighted’ on certain economic and environmental aspects. But precisely to overcome these limitations, he reiterates the importance of shared choices that avoid the risk of disappearing as a political entity.

A right wing that is not afraid to call itself pro-European

Fini’s is, in short, a strong call for a right-wing vision that is not afraid to call itself pro-European. At a time when populism and national calculations risk fragmenting the Union, his perspective, matured over years of European political commitment (he was, together with Giuliano Amato, the Italian representative at the European Convention called to write the proposed European Constitution), proposes a clear compass: the defence of Ukraine and the strengthening of a community identity are essential conditions to keep alive the very idea of an authoritative and respected Europe, from which no country – Italy in the lead – can disregard.