Orbán and Meloni Hold Talks in Rome on Ukraine, Middle East, and EU Security

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Monday to discuss key international and European issues, including the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the EU’s evolving security framework. The leaders also reviewed the new SAFE European security package, aimed at improving defense coordination and collective security across the bloc.
While both leaders share conservative values, they represent contrasting approaches within the European right. Meloni, known for her pragmatic and centrist tone, supports NATO and works closely with EU institutions. Orbán, on the other hand, remains one of the EU’s most vocal national-conservative figures, often at odds with Brussels over democracy standards and relations with Russia.
The meeting highlighted areas of cooperation and divergence. Both leaders agree on issues such as migration and family policy, but Meloni continues to distance herself from Orbán’s hardline stance. Discussions also covered European defense coordination, energy security amid global sanctions, and migration management in the Mediterranean.
Observers noted that while Meloni seeks to strengthen Italy’s influence within the EU, Orbán continues to promote Hungary’s sovereignty-first approach, maintaining his critical stance toward Brussels and Western policies on Ukraine.