Across the Atlantic, Italy and France made a pointed show of unity at their 36th intergovernmental summit in Cap d’Antibes. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron declared there is “nothing glacial” left between them, touting a solid partnership on defense, Ukraine, Lebanon, and the European budget. The warm tone stood in contrast to persistent tensions with Washington over the Iran situation and a notable dig at NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Meanwhile, a striking shift in public opinion was reported from Poland: nearly 60 percent of Poles now oppose Ukraine’s EU membership, up dramatically from 42 percent just a year ago, according to IBRiS polling. While support for Ukrainian accession has held steady at about 35 percent, the pool of undecided respondents has collapsed from a quarter to just 5 percent — with most having moved into the opposition camp. The finding suggests that war fatigue and economic anxiety are hardening attitudes across Central Europe.
