Tens of Thousands Rally for Europe in Rome as EU Rearmament Raises Concerns

MILAN (AP) — Thousands of Italians participated in a pro-European demonstration in central Rome on Saturday, holding up blue flags. European Union Flags serve as a symbol of support and unity amid a European initiative for rearming which splits the nation.

The initiative, backed by most of the center-left opposition parties even though they have varying stances, was initiated by Italian journalist Michele Serra towards the end of February. It began with an editorial published in the Italian daily newspaper La Repubblica entitled "Let’s Say Something European."

I aimed to orchestrate a significant gathering of people advocating for Europe, its cohesion, and liberty, without displaying any political party banners—only flying European flags," stated Serra as he introduced the rallying cry: "In this place, we build Europe, or else we perish.

This initiative came into being as a reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump His disruptive policies led to an unprecedented divide between Europe and the U.S., exacerbating tensions over the conflict in Ukraine and a continuing trade dispute involving tariffs.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has reluctantly backed an Plan for resupplying European defense capabilities proposed by EU Amid worries that the suggestion put forth by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen could exacerbate Italy’s significant debt burden, redirecting crucial resources towards armaments expenditure.

The EU initiative seeks to amass approximately 800 billion euros within the coming four-year period, with much of this amount expected to be generated through increased individual national expenditures on defense and security by member countries.

Internally, Meloni publicly condemned the initiative, disputing the use of the word "rearm" as deceptive, and urged her European allies to concentrate instead on joint defense and security efforts.

On Saturday, organizers stated that the pro-European demonstration, which attracted at least 30,000 participants filling Rome’s main Piazza del Popolo, brought together Italians who usually stand on opposing sides and back different political groups under the banner of "democracy."

We have gathered here to protect freedom and democracy," stated Daniela Condotto, one of the protesters. "Although these ideas have been part of our lives for eight decades, they truly require defense; we can’t assume they’re guaranteed.

Conservative political groups distanced themselves from the protest, backing Meloni as she faces challenges in trying to act as an intermediary between Trump and the European Union.

"There needs to be backing for Europe, but this should come through tangible changes rather than just ceremonial occasions," stated Antonio Tajani, who serves as both the foreign minister and deputy prime minister, before the Sunday gathering.

Vice Premier Matteo Salvini, head of the eurosceptic League party, expressed his criticism clearly. "Instead of waving banners during protests, our approach is to work towards transforming this Europe that burdens workers, farmers, and business owners with unreasonable regulations," he stated.

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Trisha Thomas from the Associated Press provided contributions for this report.