Atlantic Council Report Details Italy's Pivotal Shift in China Policy, Exit from BRI, and 'Buy Transatlantic' Law

Italy's Evolving Stance on China Detailed in Atlantic Council Report

A comprehensive report from the Atlantic Council, titled 'Is Europe waking up to the China challenge? How geopolitics are reshaping EU and transatlantic strategy,' sheds light on Italy's significant reorientation of its foreign policy towards China. The analysis, which includes a dedicated chapter on 'Italy's policy on China: The Belt and Road gamble and its aftermath' by Valbona Zeneli, outlines Rome's move from an initial period of engagement to a more pragmatic alignment with Western partners.

The report, published around November 10, 2025, emphasizes how Italy's relationship with China has transitioned from early enthusiasm to a cautious recalibration, now framing its China policy around transatlantic solidarity.

Formal Withdrawal from Belt and Road Initiative

A key development highlighted in the Atlantic Council's findings is Italy's formal exit from China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Italy officially announced its withdrawal on December 6, 2023, communicating its decision to Beijing three days prior. This move came more than four years after Italy became the sole G7 nation to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the BRI in 2019.

The MOU was slated for automatic renewal in March 2024 for another five years unless Italy provided a three-month written notice of termination. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had previously voiced criticism of the agreement during her election campaign, citing a perceived lack of substantial economic benefits for Italy as a primary reason for seeking withdrawal. The decision is seen as a symbolic message, reinforcing Italy's commitment to a transatlantic posture regarding China, while Rome has expressed intentions to maintain strong bilateral relations with Beijing.

Introduction of 'Buy Transatlantic' Law

Further solidifying its shift towards Western alliances, Italy has enacted a new 'Buy Transatlantic' measure. This legislation applies to the public procurement of ICT and cybersecurity systems crucial for national critical infrastructure. The law grants preferential treatment to bids that utilize technology originating from

• Italy
• European Union (EU) member states
• NATO countries
• Other 'like-minded partners' such as Australia, South Korea, Japan, Israel, New Zealand, and Switzerland.

Published in the Gazzetta Ufficiale, this decree strategically positions Italy between the United States' 'Buy American' and the European Union's 'Buy European' policies. The introduction of this law follows concerns over Chinese technology potentially compromising sensitive national sites and is viewed as a measure to strengthen Italy's Euro-Atlantic alignment. An additional strategic measure, approved in July 2025, further reinforces this direction by excluding Chinese solar panels and components from renewable energy incentives.