Giorgia Meloni confirms Prague visit to advance Czech-Italian cooperation

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will visit the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Sept. 29, her office confirmed. She is expected to meet Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in Prague and formally present a plan for closer cooperation between the two countries.

The confirmation follows Babiš’ comments Monday that a visit was likely. The leaders plan to mark the completion of an action plan for 2026 to 2030 covering economic cooperation, security, defense, migration, science and education.

Czech Radio reported that negotiations on the document concluded Sept. 19 and that the prime ministers are expected to exchange copies during Meloni’s visit.

For Czech businesses, the economic provisions may be the most tangible part of the plan. The two governments agreed to prepare it when Babiš visited Meloni in Rome in February. At the time, Babiš cited investment in both directions and identified defense, energy and business as areas for closer ties.

Babiš said Monday that European governments need to communicate on issues they consider crucial, singling out illegal migration. The Czech and Italian leaders discussed migration during their February meeting, when Babiš said they shared an interest in more effective returns policies.

The action plan also covers cooperation within the European Union. Its broad range of subjects sets out areas where the governments intend to work together, though the announcement so far does not identify specific new projects or funding commitments.

Meloni’s trip follows another senior Italian visit this year. President Sergio Mattarella came to Czechia in April for talks with President Petr Pavel on bilateral relations, cooperation in the EU and NATO, and international security.

Further details of the prime ministers’ Sept. 29 schedule have yet to be announced.