Italy’s new energy strategy as a consequence of anti-Russian sanctions

The article analyzes the political practices of the Italian governments under the leadership of M. Draghi and G. Meloni in response to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which resulted in the adoption of several packages of anti-Russian sanctions by the European Union. The rejection of Russian energy resources imposed by Brussels on the EU member states has made it necessary for Italy to revise the list of suppliers capable of replacing the volume of gas imported from Russia immediately. In an effort to curb the rise in electricity prices, which had a negative impact on the quality of life of its citizens, the Italian government had to abandon its long-term plans for a gradual transition to alternative energy sources and opt for a mechanical substitution of Russia with partners from Africa. Meanwhile the Italian authorities almost abandoned their traditional policy of monitoring human rights in those countries. The author draws a conclusion that in spite of the fact that some political forces point out the inefficiency of the current government's policies, as for now, Russian-Italian energy co-operation, which dates back to the middle of the last century, is now virtually ified, which owes to the dictate of Brussels and contradicts the interests of both Moscow and Rome.