Giorgia Meloni is no longer just the Prime Minister of Italy. She is fast becoming the defining figure of a new conservative era in Europe — strategic, assertive, and increasingly central to the continent’s future.
Meloni’s rise is emblematic of a broader realignment in European politics. Her party, Fratelli d’Italia, not only dominates Italy’s political landscape, but also scored a major victory in the 2024 European elections, securing nearly 29% of the national vote. Her government, remarkably stable by Italian standards, has brought a degree of continuity and coherence rarely seen in Rome. What once appeared as radicalism has morphed into a calculated, results-driven conservatism — more mainstream than many anticipated. In Brussels, Meloni is no longer viewed as an outlier. On issues ranging from nuclear energy to defense, from migration policy to industrial protection, she has positioned Italy as a vocal — and often decisive — actor. Her approach combines ideological clarity with diplomatic tact. Unlike other nationalist leaders in Europe, Meloni has chosen not to isolate herself. She engages with centrists like Emmanuel Macron, while maintaining ties with Viktor Orbán. She has turned potential adversaries into counterparts — and sometimes allies.
What makes Giorgia Meloni uniquely effective is her ability to walk a fine line. She maintains a firm stance on immigration, national identity, and cultural values — all while engaging constructively with EU institutions and international partners. This controlled duality — conservative at home, pragmatic abroad — has allowed her to consolidate her base without alienating markets, institutions, or allies. She has proven that one can be ideologically right-wing without being diplomatically reckless.
In an era where many European governments are fragile, reactive, or adrift, Meloni offers something different: a sense of direction. Whether one agrees with her or not, she is seen as effective, focused, and capable of delivering results. Her growing influence extends beyond Italy. In Central and Eastern Europe, in the Balkans, and among conservative circles across the continent, she is becoming a reference — not just for rhetoric, but for leadership. To some, Giorgia Meloni represents a dangerous drift away from liberal values. To others, she is the long-awaited antidote to technocratic fatigue and progressive fragmentation. But one thing is certain: she cannot be ignored. Giorgia Meloni is not just Europe’s most powerful woman. She is perhaps its most consequential leader today — and one of the best positioned to shape the Europe of tomorrow.
