As the Verona G7 summit of parliamentary leaders approaches, Italian Chamber of Deputies President Lorenzo Fontana has expressed a strong commitment to advancing peace and global cooperation. Speaking to Corriere della Sera, Fontana emphasized the significance of the gathering, which will be held from September 5 to 7, with the participation of Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “This is a critical moment globally, marked by wars, instability, and pivotal challenges for the future,” Fontana stated, highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering peace.
The summit’s agenda includes discussions on new geopolitical balances, access to strategic resources, the Middle East crisis, and the roles of Africa and the Mediterranean in global affairs. Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are also on the table, with a special focus on the quest for peace. Fontana underscored the potential of parliamentary diplomacy to play a key role in de-escalating conflicts and finding political solutions. He also confirmed that Ukrainian Parliament President Ruslan Stefanchuk will address the summit, bringing the war in Ukraine to the forefront of discussions.
Among the notable figures attending the summit is U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, whom Fontana met previously at a NATO parliamentary meeting in Washington. Fontana noted Johnson’s positive view of Italy and expressed interest in the ongoing U.S. political campaign, describing it as historically significant. He also highlighted the strong relationship with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, affirming the importance of a unified Europe that thrives on the strength of all its member states.
Fontana also responded to recent remarks by Italian President Sergio Mattarella about the role of Parliament. He emphasized the need to reduce the use of emergency decrees and suggested alternative legislative approaches to better respect parliamentary prerogatives. Fontana has communicated this viewpoint to Prime Minister Meloni, advocating for a more balanced legislative process.
The summit will also address the ongoing digital challenges between the U.S. and EU, particularly concerning data privacy and the impact of deepfakes on democracies. Fontana stressed the need for a broad and shared perspective that prioritizes human rights. He also called for continuous education from an early age to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, emphasizing that regulation alone is not enough.
Finally, Fontana touched on direct democracy and the possibility of online referendum signature collection, viewing it as a valuable tool for increasing public engagement in politics. He also highlighted the importance of securing strategic resources and acknowledged the contributions of Italian military forces in global missions. Fontana expressed his hopes that the Verona summit will pave the way for a more peaceful, just, and cooperative world.
