Europe, the Mediterranean, India: The New Architecture of Power
- 1 day ago
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By: Nino Calogero
The problem is not between Trump and Italy. The problem is between Trump and Europe.
In his view — and not only his — Europeans still live under the illusion that the United States must protect them by historical right, as in the postwar era. But that world no longer exists.
The United States now deals directly with Russia, China, North Korea, and the Gulf states. Europe is no longer a necessary interlocutor- it is perceived as a weak, fragmented continent, unable to make decisive choices. Italy, in this context, is not singled out: it is simply part of a Europe that has not yet demonstrated it can stand on its own.
Europe must stop asking for protection and start building power
This is not about breaking with the United States. It is about ending dependence on the United States.The objective is not “less America,” but more Europe.
Achieving this requires more than a single priority.Europe must tackle defense, energy, industry, and foreign policy together. Above all, it needs what it currently lacks: unity of intent.
The Mediterranean as our strategic frontier and key partners
If Europe wants to matter, it must look where it has rarely looked: southward.The wider Mediterranean and the Gulf are central to European autonomy.
Lebanon — Small but pivotal; Lebanese communities act as cultural and commercial bridges and maintain close ties with Italy. Turkey — The most complex yet decisive partner; NATO member, interlocutor with Russia and Ukraine, influential across Syria, the Caucasus, and the Balkans, and controller of the Bosporus and Dardanelles.
Without Turkey, Europe lacks presence in the Mediterranean.United Arab Emirates — the Gulf’s economic engine and a reliable partner with whom Italy already pursues effective African policies. Qatar — A state that understands security must be built and seeks a political role beyond finance.North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia) — Europe’s stability depends on this region for energy, security, migration management, and trade routes.
India: the new pillar looking toward Italy
There is a new actor Europe cannot ignore: India. Today it is one of the countries most engaged with Italy.
India is the world’s largest democracy, a pillar of the IndoPacific, a fastgrowing industrial and technological partner, and a country that sees Italy as a gateway to Europe.
Integrating India into Europe’s strategy means diversifying supply chains, reducing dependence on China, opening an economic corridor between the Mediterranean and the IndoPacific, and strengthening Europe’s presence in Asia. India is not an option; it is a pillar of the new global architecture.
The first step is economic; relations with the United States and Canada
To build European autonomy, start from common interests.The first areas of cooperation with Turkey and the Mediterranean are trade, industry, and sustainability.
Updating the Customs Union, creating shared industrial supply chains, developing green energy corridors, and investing together in Africa form the foundation of European power.
Europe must not close its markets to the United States. It must negotiate firmly, leveraging the deep roots of the Italian American community. Italy’s historical ties to America are a significant political asset that should be used strategically.
Canada is an ideal partner to maintain a strong relationship with the U.S. without subordination. Close to Washington yet culturally European, multilateral, and home to a strong Italian presence, Canada offers a balanced platform from which to engage America as equals.
The supervisory role of the Vatican and the current Pope — and conclusion.
An additional, stabilizing element in this architecture is the supervisory role of the Vatican and the current Pope. The Holy See can act as a moral and diplomatic overseer across the Mediterranean and beyond, leveraging its unique global network, soft power influence, and convening capacity to:
Facilitate dialogue between Christian, Muslim, and other communities across the Mediterranean and the Gulf.
Support mediation efforts in fragile states and act as a neutral interlocutor where secular diplomacy faces limits.
Champion humanitarian and development initiatives that complement European economic and security policies.
Reinforce cultural and historical ties that bind Italy and parts of the Mediterranean, enhancing Europe’s credibility as a partner that understands local complexities.
The Vatican’s supervisory role does not replace state diplomacy; it amplifies it by providing moral authority, longstanding relationships, and a platform for inclusive dialogue. The current Pope’s active engagement can help Europe build trust, open channels of communication, and legitimize cooperative initiatives in regions where religious and cultural dynamics are decisive.
Conclusion
Our strategy is clear: the Mediterranean as a sphere of influence; Turkey as a decisive partner; India as a friendly giant; Lebanon as a cultural bridge; the Gulf and North Africa as strategic allies; Canada as a bridge to the United States; America as a partner to engage with as equals, strengthened by our diaspora; and the Vatican as a supervisory, stabilizing force that helps bind these efforts together.
Europe must stop reacting and start leading.Stop asking for protection and start building partnerships. Stop depending and start cooperating. Stop closing itself off and start expanding.
It is time for a mature, autonomous Europe capable of speaking with a single voice. A Europe that does not fear the world but helps shape it. Italy can once again be its spokesperson.
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