"In the European Union, alliances are variable". On the sidelines of the informal EU leaders' meeting, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni highlighted the importance of "talking to everyone" and avoiding exclusion. At this point, she stressed that "there is certainly convergence with German Chancellor Merz on many issues", implying a development of bilateral collaboration between Italy and Germany. In anticipation of the forthcoming challenge of the EU's multiannual budget, Meloni emphasized that Italy will continue to advocate for cohesion: "We must not fall into the error of viewing competitiveness as a substitute for cohesion, as the absence of cohesion results in the abandonment of entire territories and the destruction of competitiveness". On this front, she noted, Rome may find itself closer to Southern countries than Northern ones. According to the Prime Minister, the discussion on Eurobonds was not addressed during today's meeting; however, it continues to be one of the "most divisive" topics.