Italy's participation in the Three Seas Initiative: The benefits and reasons explained
The Three Seas Initiative (3SI), established in 2016 by 12 EU member states, has been gaining traction as a platform for fostering cooperation between northern and southern European countries, with a particular focus on the regions surrounding the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic seas.
The initiative, which currently includes countries such as Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia (all NATO allies except Austria), has been expanding its membership over the years. Notably, Ukraine and Moldova were designated as associate states in 2022 and 2023, while Albania and Montenegro obtained this status in 2025.
However, Italy, despite its strategic geographical location, has not yet become a full member of the 3SI. The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, acknowledges the increasing strategic importance of the 3SI for participating countries. She is encouraged to look beyond Italy's traditional areas of geographical interest and engage in broader forms of regional cooperation.
Despite the potential benefits, neither past nor present Italian governments have considered the 3SI a geopolitical priority. However, Meloni is urged to adopt a long-term approach to economic security, making Italy's geopolitical role in Europe more impactful.
Since 2025, the Italian government under Giorgia Meloni has not officially declared any new partner countries or associated states as members of the Three Seas Initiative. The core member states remain Central and Eastern European countries, and Italy is a participant but not known for expanded partnerships beyond the established members by this date.
The tenth edition of the 3SI summit took place in Warsaw in late April, providing an opportunity for member states to discuss and advance their shared goals. As the initiative continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see if Italy under Meloni's leadership will deepen its involvement in the 3SI.
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