Meloni, Italy's leader, welcomes Biden and G-7 leaders amid ongoing global challenges.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian Prime Minister, welcomed President Biden and other world leaders at the G-7 summit's opening session in Italy on Thursday amidst several global conflicts.

The G-7 summit, hosted in Italy's southern Puglia region, unites the leaders of Italy, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the U.S., along with the European Union (EU).

The Brothers of Italy Party's victory in the EU elections has given Meloni a strong boost both domestically and internationally, and the summit is expected to take place shortly after.

Stefano Vaccara, founder of the digital daily La Voce di New York, told Planet Chronicle Digital that the Italian Prime Minister arrived timidly on the international scene in 2022 due to the skepticism in European capitals. However, after her victory in Europe, she feels Italy can relaunch its cards.

"Italy must have the same influence in the EU as it does in Europe, and it counts on its special relationship with the U.S.," said Meloni.

Italy will act as a mediator between the U.S. and European interests, which are divided between the far-right and center-right.

Meloni outperformed Scholz and Macron, who both faced significant losses to their right-wing opponents. Scholz's Social Democrats suffered a crushing defeat, finishing third behind the center-right Christian Democrats and the far-right Alternative for Germany Party. Macron's party was rocked by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, prompting him to dissolve parliament and call for snap elections.

The center-right has gained strength in European politics, as shown by the results, not just the populist or extreme right, according to Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

He stated that it was a response to the left in Europe.

As Italy's first female prime minister, Meloni has established close ties with Ursula von der Leyen, the leader of the center-right European People's Party and European Commission President. With her electoral mandate, Meloni will influence major policy items on the G-7 agenda. Since taking office in 2022, Meloni's government has been a close ally of the United States and has worked well with both von der Leyen and President Biden.

Meloni's government has made Italy a highly valuable U.S. partner, according to Andrew Novo, a non-resident senior fellow with the Center for European Analysis, as stated on Planet Chronicle Digital.

Novo stated that the European Union has been the leading voice in support of Ukraine, Italy withdrew from China's Belt and Road Initiative, and relations between Italy and the United States are strong and are expected to continue in the future.

Initially, European and Western elites were uncertain about Meloni's leadership due to her past support for Russia and Putin. However, since taking office, Meloni has demonstrated her ability to reassure skeptics and establish herself as a reliable and mostly centrist ally who is committed to working with Brussels and maintaining strong ties with the United States against Russia's aggression towards Ukraine.

The G-7 summit will tackle various international concerns, such as climate change and Africa's development, while also concentrating on Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza and Russia's ongoing war with Ukraine.

Meloni's unwavering support for Ukraine has been a nightmare for Putin and the Kremlin, which launched a propaganda campaign to undermine her in this transitioning moment in the EU, according to Ivana Stradner, research fellow at the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, who spoke to Planet Chronicle Digital.

President Biden intends to give Kyiv an additional $50 billion in aid from frozen Russian assets, which is crucial for Ukrainian forces facing an offensive in the Kharkiv region. Meloni is in full agreement with President Biden's stance on supporting Ukraine.

Meloni has mostly supported Israel in its conflict with Hamas, but has recently expressed opposition to Israel's incursion into Rafah.

The White House, along with Meloni and the G-7 leaders, issued a joint communiqué endorsing and supporting the comprehensive deal proposed by President Biden to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a substantial increase in humanitarian aid for distribution throughout Gaza, and a lasting resolution to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and Gazan civilian safety guaranteed. The communiqué also reaffirmed their commitment to a credible pathway towards peace leading to a two-state solution.

The summit ends on June 15.