Meloni: Use of American bases in Italy must be approved by Parliament

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated on Monday evening (May 23, 2025) that any decision regarding the potential use of American bases in Italy must first be approved by the Italian Parliament. “Italy is not participating in military operations, no request has been made to use American bases, and I don’t think this will happen,” Meloni declared during her recent address to the Chamber of Deputies in Rome. She further emphasized, “I can guarantee that for such a decision to be made, there must first be a parliamentary vote, unlike what happened when we were not in power.” The bilateral agreement between Rome and Washington stipulates that if the U.S. wishes to use its military bases in Italy for combat operations, it must seek and obtain approval from the Italian government. Meanwhile, the two largest opposition parties—the Democratic Party and the Five Star Movement—have urged the Roman government to ensure the country does not become involved in ongoing conflicts in any way.