CPAC Heads to Italy as Rome Becomes European MAGA Hub

The Conservative Political Action Conference is launching operations in Italy this weekend, positioning Rome as a new European stronghold for the American conservative movement following political upheaval in Hungary.

According to Brussels Signal, the influential gathering will begin preparatory activities in the Italian capital with a summit bringing together organisers, Italian lawmakers, and international conservative figures. The weekend events include a closed-door dinner and press conference, laying groundwork for a full-scale conference planned for 2027 after Italy’s next general election.

CPAC has served as a flagship platform for American conservatives since 1974, connecting politicians, activists, donors, and policy organisations across the United States and increasingly throughout Europe. Under current chairman Matt Schlapp, a former political director for President George W. Bush, the conference has expanded dramatically beyond American shores, establishing recurring events across the continent.

Hungary served as CPAC’s primary European base after the inaugural Budapest conference launched in 2022, backed by Viktor Orbán’s government. That arrangement shifted following Hungary’s 2026 election, when newly elected Prime Minister Péter Magyar distanced himself from Orbán’s network of state-supported conservative organisations, according to Brussels Signal.

Meloni Initially Resistant, Now Backing Initiative

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni initially opposed hosting CPAC in Italy over concerns about the conference’s theatrical American style and provocative rhetoric potentially damaging the Italian right’s image, sources told the outlet. However, she has since reversed course and given the initiative approval.

Marcel Kaminstein, a principal organiser of CPAC Italy, explained the shift to Brussels Signal. Meloni was worried the conference would give the Italian right an image that was not serious enough, he stated, adding that organisers convinced her by guaranteeing a more controlled format respectful of Italian political culture while bringing high-level figures from Italy, Europe, and the United States.

The development positions Meloni as a figure seeking to unite different factions of the Western conservative movement amid growing political and geopolitical fragmentation. Her backing signals Italy’s emergence as a potential new hub for transatlantic right-wing cooperation.

High-Profile Conservative Figures Confirmed

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss heads the list of confirmed attendees for this weekend’s preparatory events. Lawmakers from Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party and Matteo Salvini’s League are also participating, alongside representatives from Turning Point USA, the American conservative youth organisation. Meloni herself has not yet confirmed whether she will attend the weekend activities.

The American conference has become increasingly identified with the MAGA movement, particularly through former President Donald Trump’s repeated use of CPAC as a major platform. Trump has addressed the gathering numerous times, cementing the conference’s role as a central meeting point for his political movement.

Expanding European Network

CPAC’s European expansion accelerated in recent years beyond its Hungarian foothold. Poland joined the network in 2025, while Britain held its first CPAC conference in London in July of this year. The addition of Italy represents a strategic shift following the changed political landscape in Budapest.

Italian organisers and political figures familiar with the plans indicated to Brussels Signal that CPAC’s arrival in Italy carries significant geopolitical implications. The conference provides infrastructure for building sustained relationships between American conservatives and European right-wing movements, facilitating coordination on policy, messaging, and political strategy across the Atlantic.

The 2027 target date for Italy’s first major CPAC conference coincides with the country’s next general election cycle, potentially amplifying the event’s political impact. Organisers plan to establish Rome as a recurring venue for annual conferences after the inaugural event.

With information from Brussels Signal