Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema called Friday for EU member states to engage all Islamic nations in dialogue, rejecting the premise of a civilizational clash. Speaking to the newspaper La Repubblica, he argued that democracy spreads in Muslim-majority societies through positive example, not confrontation.
D'Alema pointed to Türkiye as a predominantly Muslim nation that has chosen the path of European integration, with its political leadership broadly supporting EU membership. He described periodic tensions in Türkiye-EU relations as rooted in misunderstanding, noting a widespread perception in Türkiye that Europe is fundamentally hostile to its accession.
Ahead of an upcoming European Commission progress report, D'Alema acknowledged that negotiations could slow, citing domestic political pressures on both sides, including Türkiye's approaching general elections. He nonetheless insisted that membership prospects must remain open, a position he said both the Italian center-left and center-right have long shared.
He argued that bringing a large Muslim-majority country into the EU would serve as the most effective strategic answer to those promoting a clash of civilizations, calling it "a strong political and cultural message" for Europe's democratic values.
D'Alema also voiced support for Pope Benedict XVI's planned visit to Türkiye that month, describing it as a meaningful gesture toward the broader Islamic world.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in November 2006, in its own words.