Italy's Special Relationship with Russia

The predominant view in Italy holds that Russia is a country that has faced a complex process of transformation and is still confronting various challenges, notably including that of modernization. The Italian political élite have been successful in building a strategic partnership with Russia. This strategic partnership is founded on interdependence and common interests. In recent years, bilateral relations have achieved a high level of excellence, deserving of “privileged relations” status. Apart from clear economic reasons, with Italy still being extensively dependent on Russian energy supplies, Rome recognizes that Moscow is a strategic partner for settling a number of conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, as well as for the fight against terrorism. The pro-Russia policy has been shared by all recent governments in a bipartisan way: no matter what government was in power (either centre-left or centre-right) the partnership has been strengthened and broadened. Any time Russia has infringed international law – notably in the cases of Georgia and Ukraine - Italy has aligned itself with the EU's and the US’ condemnation, while always promoting a stance of moderation and engagement rather than confrontation and isolation of the country.