On Thursday, during the European People’s Party, (EPP) summit ahead of the European Council, Forza Italia (FI) Coordinator Antonio Tajani said that the party and its leader, media magnate Silvio Berlusconi, are firmly behind NATO, and against the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Three time ex-premier Berlusconi is at the centre of an uproar, after an audio recording was released, in which he told his party’s lawmakers that he has re-established ties with his old friend, Russian President Vladimir Putin, via the exchange of gifts and “sweet” letters. Further digging his grave, he then suggested Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky’s actions had forced Moscow’s to invade Ukraine.

“I’m here to confirm, once again, the position of my party, my personal position and the position of the leader of my party totally in favour of NATO and trans-Atlantic relations, in favour of Europe, and against the unacceptable Russian invasion of Ukraine,” Tajani said.

Berlusconi claimed that he would have delivered the message to the EPP summit personally, but was unable to due to consultations regarding government-formation with President Sergio Mattarella.

 ”So I delegated (FI) Vice President Antonio Tajani to present my personal position and that of the whole of Forza Italia, which coheres with the values of the EU and the Atlantic alliance,” Berlusconi said via Facebook.

Tajani had been expected to be named foreign minister in Meloni’s new government, but opposition parties have said that he should not be given the post considering what Forza Italia’s leader has said about the war in Ukraine.

EPP President Manfred Weber said that the group will remain in support of the former European Parliament President Tajani.

 ”We will support any government that has a clear approach in favour of the EU, in favour of Ukraine and in favour of the rule of law,” Weber said on his way into the meeting.

“I’m happy that Antonio Tajani is here. He is the guarantee of FI’s pro-Atlantic position.”

At the EPP summit Weber added:

“As possible foreign minister of this government, Antonio Tajani would be a symbol of the continuity of the new Italian government and its pro-Europe stance.”

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola echoed these sentiments.

“I’ll meet Tajani,” she said.

“I have spoken to all the Italian political leaders. My message to Italy is to remain in the heart of Europe.

“I have no doubt that it will, and I have no doubt about its support for the Atlantic alliance and for Ukraine.”