Von der Leyen said “things we agree with, especially on immigration,” Meloni admitted – but this was not enough, she said. “She also said things that made it impossible for Fratelli d’Italia to vote, both in terms of method and content,” Meloni told Corriere della Serra.

Now that von der Leyen has been confirmed for a new term as Commission President, Meloni will have to work with her to secure a Commission portfolio with some influence for Italy.

In the interview, Meloni dismissed claims that the Brothers of Italy vote against von der Leyen could thwart Italy’s chances of winning a significant portfolio or even an executive vice president position. “I think this reading is surreal,” Meloni said.

The Italian prime minister abstained from voting when EU leaders nominated von der Leyen as the new Commission president in late June.

It raised doubts whether von der Leyen would be able to secure a majority in the vote in the European Parliament. Meloni’s European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) is currently the fourth-largest political force in the EU legislature.

On Thursday, von der Leyen received support from her European People’s Party, the socialist S&D, the liberal Renew party and the Greens.

The Brothers of Italy said they voted against von der Leyen because of the support of the Greens.