135Received 19.03.2025. Revised 04.04.2025. Accepted 23.04.2025.
Acknowledgments. The study was conducted within the framework of the research FMZS‑2024-0010 “Mechanisms for promoting the strategic interests of key European actors in Africa and the Middle East: institutions, principles of operation, forecasts”. The author expresses gratitude for the recommendations on working with the text to Senior Researcher of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.K. Ivanova, Leading Researcher of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences M.V. Vedernikov, and Leading Researcher of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.V. Kotov.
Abstract. The article analyzes a new stage of Italian foreign policy in Africa, launched with the development and implementation of the “Mattei Plan”. The goals and objectives of the new stage are defined, in particular, ensuring energy security and implementing the green energy transition, reducing the migration flow, and increasing of Italian export and business opportunities. The author argue that the government of G. Meloni is trying to build a more effective system of institutional interaction with the countries of the continent, which would be based on three levels: 1) national, ensuring the involvement of all elements of the “Italy System” – the relevant state institutions and ministries, business and civil society, and relevant institutions of the African counterparts; 2) local, including Italian and African local administrations, local business and civil society, aiming to promote the capillary penetration network in African states and implement new practices of interaction with local authorities; 3) multilateral, meaning the involvement in the implementation of the “Mattei Plan” of Italy’s main international partners, including the EU, the U.S., the Gulf countries, and cooperation organizations of the African continent, such as the African Development Bank and African Union. The author concludes that such a multi-level systemic approach will require great efforts and resources from the current and subsequent governments of Italy, and its success will depend on many external factors. Reliance on multilateral structures and financing instruments may make Italy’s plans dependent on the international situation, decisions of partners and external actors. In general, the success of this multi-level implementation scheme of the “Mattei Plan” is a great challenge for Italy, and it will influence the African states’ levels of trust in Rome and the EU in general.
Keywords: Italy, Africa, Mattei Plan, European Union, Meloni government, migration, energy security, energy transition, food security, business support institutions, business internationalization
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