Giuseppe Gagliano
“A Strategic Alliance Between Italy, France, and Germany: The Key to European Geopolitical Autonomy”
Abstract – A strategic alliance between Italy, France, and Germany could redefine Europe’s geopolitical role by promoting a model of strategic autonomy capable of reducing NATO and U.S. influence. France, Italy, and Germany, with their strategic, economic, and geographical strengths, provide the foundation for an ambitious project that includes dialogue with Russia and China. This collaboration could enhance energy security, technological innovation, and a common European defense, reducing dependence on the United States and positioning Europe as an autonomous actor in a multipolar world.
A strategic alliance between Italy, France, and Germany could represent a turning point for the future of Europe amidst a geopolitical landscape marked by rising tensions and competition among great powers. This trilateral collaboration has the potential to reduce NATO and U.S. influence on the continent, fostering a model of strategic autonomy capable of safeguarding European interests. France, with its tradition of strategic independence and its role as a nuclear power, serves as a cornerstone for a European autonomy project. Meanwhile, Italy, with its geostrategic position in the Mediterranean, could act as a bridge between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Germany, as the economic and industrial heart of the European Union, would be the driving force behind such an ambitious initiative.
Russia and China represent crucial variables that this alliance should consider not only as challenges but also as opportunities to promote a more balanced and pragmatic European foreign policy. The narrative promoted by the U.S. and NATO has so far painted these powers solely as threats, but a more mature and strategic approach could reveal opportunities for beneficial cooperation. Despite the tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine, Russia remains an essential partner for Europe’s energy security and a key player in geopolitical stability on the continent. Engaging in dialogue with Moscow would not only help de-escalate tensions on the eastern borders but also open new avenues for economic and technological integration, vital to counter Europe’s industrial decline. Similarly, China offers unprecedented opportunities in infrastructure investment and technological innovation. Italy, already involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, and Germany, with its strong commercial ties to Beijing, could collaborate with France to develop a coordinated strategy that attracts Chinese investments in critical infrastructure projects and reduces Europe’s dependence on American technology.