At WLF 2025: Matteo Renzi on Europe, India, and the Next Phase of Global Economic Cooperation

At WLF 2025 former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi emphasized that in current times, globalization should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a problem. He contrasted this perspective with the trend of sovereignism seen globally, noting that globalization helps nations thrive and is not their enemy. Renzi particularly highlighted the role of technology and artificial intelligence, stressing that we are at a critical phase in their development and application in global affairs. He suggested that some countries in politics are failing to harness artificial intelligence effectively, instead succumbing to what he termed "natural stupidity" in policymaking.

The Crisis and Opportunity in Europe

Renzi described Europe as facing a multifaceted crisis, with demographic decline being a primary issue. He drew attention to Italy’s sharply reduced birth rate, illustrating a broader European challenge where population collapse threatens future stability and growth. Alongside demographic challenges, Renzi cited excessive bureaucracy and overregulation in Brussels as factors stifling Europe’s vision for the future. He called for a renewed leadership and strategic vision to wake up Europe to its potential and engage more strongly with global partners, particularly India.

Mutual Need: Europe and India

Significantly, Renzi argued that Europe needs India as much as India needs Europe, given their complementary roles in addressing globalization’s current crisis. He underscored India’s position as the most populous country in the world, possessing a rich tradition and impressive technological capability. Renzi stressed the strategic importance of forging a stronger institutional dialogue and partnership between Europe and India beyond symbolic visits or ad hoc engagements. He framed this partnership as essential for achieving growth, sustainability, and navigating the complexities of a multipolar and disorderly global environment.

The Call for Strategic Partnership and Reforms

Renzi urged both India and Europe to leverage their deep cultural histories to build a future-oriented partnership. He highlighted the necessity of investment in education, quality, and even cultural beauty, referencing a famous Florentine quote “beauty will save the world" as a metaphor for the transformative power of vision and culture. He insisted that the partnership must evolve beyond the past to write a new chapter based on mutual strategic interests.

On Trade and Global Relations

Renzi cautioned against trade wars, describing them as detrimental not only to the world but also to the futures of India, Italy, and Europe. Reflecting on past approaches to tariffs and economic policy such as those taken during former U.S. President Trump’s administration. Renzi argued for Europe to reclaim leadership rather than remain a follower, especially in areas like energy policy shaped by new dynamics like shale gas production in the United States.

Facing Multipolar Global Disorder

Acknowledging the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world, Renzi characterized current global conditions as a "new global disorder" rather than a neatly ordered new global order. In this context, he sees Europe and India as capable of playing adaptable and significant roles by capitalizing on their unique assets and learning from past mistakes while embracing reform and innovation.

A Vision of Europe-India Cooperation

Renzi concluded with an evocative analogy learned from an Indian musician that Europe and India could create a new "music" together  not merely a collection of individual "melodies" or separate efforts, but a coherent, institutionalized partnership that harmonizes their strengths into a collective future.

This session at WLF 2025 provided important reflections on the pressing need for Europe and India to deepen cooperation on economic, technological, and geopolitical fronts, underscoring shared interests in growth, innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnership.