Italy has formally informed the Chinese government that it will no longer be a part of the Belt and Road Initiative, leaving China's flagship infrastructure drive without any members from the Group of Seven (G7) nations. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni delivered a diplomatic note to Beijing, stating that Rome would not renew its participation in the initiative. Italy's decision comes as a fulfillment of Meloni's campaign promise and follows her criticism of Beijing.

The memorandum of understanding signed by Italy in 2019, authorizing its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative, is set to expire in March 2024. Had Italy not given prior written notice of its decision to withdraw three months in advance, the memorandum would have automatically renewed for an additional five years.

The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera first reported on Italy's exit from the initiative, which was subsequently confirmed by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani at an event in Rome. Tajani stated that Italy's participation "has not produced the desired effects" and is no longer a priority. He also noted that non-participating countries have achieved better results.

Italy's departure from the Belt and Road Initiative has been a topic of speculation for some time. Prime Minister Meloni, a far-right leader, pledged to leave the initiative during her election campaign, calling Italy's initial decision to join a "mistake." However, the Italian government has handled the exit delicately to avoid any potential retaliation from Beijing.

Italy was one of 148 countries that had signed a memorandum of understanding to participate in the infrastructure program, which is a signature initiative of Chinese President Xi Jinping. However, interest in the initiative has waned among European Union (EU) members as ties between the EU and China became strained. Currently, more than half of the EU's members are still part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The news of Italy's exit from the initiative comes just before a high-stakes summit in Beijing. European Council and Commission Presidents Charles Michel and Ursula von der Leyen, along with the EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell, are scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang to discuss various issues, including trade grievances and China's relationship with Russia.

Ursula von der Leyen has been a vocal critic of the Belt and Road Initiative and has spearheaded the launch of Global Gateway, which is presented as a European alternative in Brussels. She has highlighted the initiative as an example of China's global ambitions and its aim to change the international order.

Despite Chinese diplomats proposing collaboration between the Belt and Road Initiative and Global Gateway, EU officials have expressed skepticism. They argue that the two programs have different mindsets regarding transparency and debt traps. The EU maintains that Global Gateway is open to any partner that adheres to standards of transparency, human rights, and sustainability.

As Italy becomes the first G7 nation to exit the Belt and Road Initiative, the move could have implications for the future trajectory of China's flagship infrastructure project and its relationship with Europe.