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According to the New York Times, Biden made clear that “Italy and the United States needed to show that democracies can function successfully and that Mr. Draghi was doing that.” But Draghi is not only showing the world that Italy can function like other rich, modern countries. The staunchly pro-European, pro-American, and pro-NATO prime minister has also made savvy political moves that could change the face of Europe and the EU. For starters, he has forged a deep bond with Macron. Working together, the two leaders have an excellent opportunity to wield more influence over EU policy – from the economy to defense – now that Angela Merkel is stepping down as German chancellor after 16 years in power. The Quirinale Treaty is a concrete result of their new cooperation to fill the gap created by Merkel’s departure. If they succeed, the locus of influence in the EU will shift southward – and toward greater European integration. Here, Draghi and Macron see eye to eye, including on the critical issue of European defense. Both are confident in the EU’s ability to act independently as a military force while still maintaining its full commitment to NATO. Biden himself appears to accept this view. According to the Times, “Mr. Biden told Mr. Draghi [during their October meeting] that he viewed a strong European Union – even one with a unified military defense – as in the interest of the United States.” Given America’s growing focus on the Asia-Pacific theater, a unified European defense capability is exactly what the US needs....
Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi and French President Emmanuel Macron are on track to sign a bilateral accord – the so-called Quirinale Treaty named after the Roman palace – designed to boost their countries’ industrial and strategic cooperation. But this new Paris-Rome power axis may do much more than that as it may very well alter the leadership dynamic within the entire European Union.