Italy stands alone among G7 nations as it abstains from the WHO’s Pandemic Agreement, citing concerns over national sovereignty despite clear protections written into the agreement’s text.
At a Glance
- Italy was one of 11 countries that abstained from voting on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, while 124 nations voted in favor
- The Italian government emphasized “the primacy of national sovereignty” in public health management as its reason for abstention
- The agreement aims to prevent mistakes made during COVID-19 by improving coordination, monitoring, and vaccine access
- Critics within Italy called the decision “embarrassing,” “senseless,” and “deeply irresponsible”
- Italy’s non-signatory status may limit its participation in the new system’s governance and access to international resources during future health emergencies
Sovereignty Concerns Drive Italy’s Decision
In a move that has isolated Italy from other G7 nations, the government abstained from voting on the World Health Organization’s Pandemic Agreement in May 2025. The agreement, designed to strengthen global pandemic preparedness and response capabilities, was passed with 124 votes in favor and no votes against. Italy joined just 10 other nations in abstaining, citing concerns over national sovereignty in healthcare decision-making.
The Meloni government’s position emphasized Italy’s right to determine its own public health policies, despite assurances within the agreement’s text that WHO cannot impose measures such as travel bans, mandatory vaccinations, or lockdowns on member nations. Italian Health Minister Orazio Schillaci defended the decision, explaining that Italy sought additional guarantees to protect national interests.
“We expect the redefinition of a clear roadmap, allowing adequate time to reach a consensus that Italy considers ratifiable, including the necessary improvements to guarantee health for all.”, the Italian Minister of Health Orazio Schillaci said.
Agreement’s Protections and Benefits
The WHO Pandemic Agreement includes multiple clauses specifically designed to safeguard national autonomy. Contrary to concerns raised by the Italian government, the agreement explicitly states that WHO cannot impose decisions on sovereign governments. The pact focuses instead on creating frameworks for equity, solidarity, transparency, and human rights in global pandemic responses.
Key elements of the agreement include ensuring equitable access to vaccines and treatments, encouraging local production in developing countries, and establishing transparent benefit-sharing from pathogen research. Additionally, the agreement creates a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network to ensure fair distribution of health products during emergencies and includes measures to improve national health system resilience.
“Italy abstained in a vote on Monday at a World Health Organization committee on an agreement on responses to future pandemics, before it was adopted by the UN agency’s assembly on Tuesday”, AFP reported.
Political Fallout and Criticism
The abstention has reignited criticism of the Meloni government’s approach to public health policy. Opposition figures were quick to condemn the decision, with Democratic Party leader Chiara Braga stating that “the Meloni government isolates Italy to please domestic anti-science factions.” Andrea Quartini, health spokesperson for the Five Star Movement, called the move “deeply irresponsible,” while Italia Viva’s Raffaella Paita described it as “embarrassing and senseless.”
Critics have connected this decision to the government’s previous actions regarding COVID-19 policies, including the 2022 repeal of vaccination mandates for healthcare workers and the reinstatement of unvaccinated staff. The medical and scientific communities in Italy have expressed particular concern, noting the lack of scientific rationale behind the government’s position.
Future Implications for Italy
Italy’s abstention could have significant consequences for its role in global health governance. As a non-signatory to the agreement, Italy may find itself limited in its ability to shape international health policies and participate in the new system’s governance structures. Perhaps more concerning, the country might face restricted access to international resources during future health emergencies.
While the Meloni government frames its abstention as a defense of national sovereignty, the agreement’s actual text contains numerous safeguards for country autonomy. The decision leaves Italy isolated among major Western democracies and potentially vulnerable during future global health crises.
