Rome, May 17, 2026 – The Europe Today: The planned official visit of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Cyprus on Sunday has been postponed following a serious incident in the northern Italian city of Modena that left at least eight people injured, including four in critical condition.
According to an official statement, Prime Minister Meloni is returning urgently to Italy and will travel to Modena alongside Italian President Sergio Mattarella to express solidarity with the injured, their families, and the local community.
Authorities confirmed that the visit to Cyprus will be rescheduled at a later date. The decision was taken in light of the emergency situation in Modena, where emergency services are continuing to provide treatment to those affected.
Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the Cypriot government places high importance on strengthening bilateral relations with Italy, as well as cooperation on European and regional issues, and fully understands the decision to postpone the visit.
He also expressed Cyprus’s “solidarity with the Italian government, the Italian people and all those affected by this tragic incident,” underscoring the close ties and mutual respect between the two countries.
The Italian leadership’s immediate response highlights the government’s focus on addressing the situation at home, while reaffirming that diplomatic engagements will be rearranged once circumstances allow.
