French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met in Rome on Tuesday, pledging to strengthen cooperation on key European and international issues following weeks of public friction over Ukraine, trade, and relations with the United States.
In a joint statement following their three-hour summit, the leaders emphasised shared goals to bolster Europe’s competitiveness and industrial resilience. They identified sectors undergoing transition—such as automotive and steel—alongside advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, renewables, and space, calling for increased EU-level support.
On defence, Macron and Meloni reaffirmed their “unwavering” support for Ukraine and advocated for a significant scale-up in European defence capabilities. While Meloni has expressed caution regarding military engagement, particularly in relation to French-led initiatives such as peacekeeping missions, the statement underlined a unified commitment to long-term backing for Kyiv.
Trade was another key area of discussion. Despite Meloni’s strong transatlantic orientation and her reluctance to provoke trade tensions with the United States, both leaders concurred on the importance of securing fair conditions for European businesses.
The leaders also addressed Mediterranean security, focusing on concerns about a growing Russian presence in Libya. Although specific details were limited, both parties stressed the necessity of maintaining EU vigilance in the region.
The meeting, initiated by Macron, was seen as an effort to smooth over recent diplomatic tensions, including Meloni’s absence from a Kyiv visit and missed international engagements. The two agreed to reconvene for a follow-up summit in France in early 2026.
Despite ideological differences, the summit marked a step towards greater European unity in the face of mounting global challenges.
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Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientific data, national hydrometeorological services in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan say, adding there is no threat to the region.
A senior delegation from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has been holding meetings with Georgian government officials, opposition leaders and security authorities this week, as international observers attempt to gauge the country’s political climate following last year’s contentious elections.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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