Italy's Participation in the Three Seas Initiative: Rationale Explored

The Three Seas Initiative (3SI), a platform established in 2016 by 12 EU member states, is gaining increased strategic importance among participating countries. The latest advocate for this alliance is Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The 3SI, which aims to promote cooperation between northern and southern European countries and to highlight the regions of the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic seas, aligns with Italy's objectives. The initiative seeks to strengthen regional cooperation on infrastructure, energy diversification, and defense collaboration, reducing dependence on external powers and promoting European strategic autonomy.

Italy's investment in developing its energy, connectivity, and infrastructure capabilities makes it a suitable candidate for the 3SI. The city of Trieste, situated almost at the center of 3SI countries, is particularly suitable for hosting Europe's infrastructural, energy, and connectivity aspirations.

Italy's participation in the 3SI could improve its relations with other European capitals, including Warsaw and Berlin. Moreover, it could help Italy strengthen its geopolitical and economic role in Europe.

However, Italy is currently not a member of the 3SI. Past and current Italian governments have not considered the 3SI a geopolitical priority. If full membership seems too demanding, Italy could consider joining as a partner.

The current member states of the 3SI include Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, all NATO allies except Austria. In 2022 and 2023, Ukraine and Moldova were named associate states of the 3SI, while Albania and Montenegro obtained this status in 2025.

The 3SI has a transatlantic dimension, with strong support from the United States. Italy's involvement in the 3SI could also help it strengthen its support for Moldova's EU accession path and Giorgia Meloni's government's continued support for Ukraine's resistance against Russia.

Giorgia Meloni should adopt a long-term approach to economic security by considering the 3SI as a geopolitical priority. By joining the 3SI, Italy can contribute to the enhancement of regional cooperation and help ensure European strategic autonomy, especially in light of the geopolitical challenges posed by the Ukraine war and energy security.