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Meloni Navigates EU-US Relations in Washington Meeting with Trump
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in Washington this week to meet with Donald Trump, a visit that requires her to carefully balance representing European Union interests while maintaining a positive rapport with the former US president. As the first European leader to visit Washington since Trump’s recent tariff announcements impacting the EU, Meloni aims to advocate for a “zero-for-zero” tariffs agreement for the entire bloc.
Italy’s Economic Stakes Amidst Trade Tensions
Italy faces significant exposure to shifts in US trade policy. Approximately 10% of Italian exports, valued at around €67 billion, are destined for the United States, making it Italy’s third-largest trading partner outside the EU. Trump’s recently declared tariffs prompted Rome to adjust its economic growth projections downwards.
“We are aware of the complexities of this moment,” Meloni stated prior to her departure. “We will exert our utmost effort, mindful of my responsibilities and the interests I am defending.”
Strategic European Diplomacy in a Fraught Climate
In this tense environment, Meloni is seen as uniquely positioned among current European leaders to engage with Trump effectively. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recognizes this and has been in close contact with Meloni in preparation for the trip.
A History of Cordial Relations
Trump and Meloni are known to have a strong relationship, having publicly expressed admiration for each other. Trump has lauded her as a “fantastic woman” who has “taken Europe by storm.”
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Ideological Alignment and Past Support
Meloni, leading a right-leaning coalition government since 2022, shares ideological common ground with Trump more so than some EU counterparts. In a video address to a US conservative gathering in February, she echoed familiar Trump themes, criticizing mass migration, “globalist elites,” and “woke ideology.” Notably, she was the only European head of state to attend Trump’s inauguration in January and has largely refrained from openly criticizing his administration’s policies.
Meloni’s Stance on Tariffs
Her most pointed critique came earlier this month when she labeled Trump’s imposition of 20% tariffs on the EU as “absolutely wrong,” arguing it would harm both the EU and the US economies.
Navigating Diplomatic Strategies and EU Unity Concerns
Riccardo Alcaro of the Italian Institute for International Affairs in Rome observes, “Meloni has consistently argued that Europe should avoid confrontational stances with the US, favoring adaptation over resistance. Should the Trump administration remain firm on tariffs, she may concede to counter-tariffs. However, her initial approach will likely be to push back, rooted in her belief that the West’s global prominence is US-centric.”
Shared Worldviews and Transatlantic Dynamics
Meloni’s global perspective aligns more closely with many of Trump’s key allies than with many European leaders. Alcaro further noted, “She understands Italy’s strategic, political, and economic dependence within the EU framework, yet she also genuinely identifies with ‘MAGA Republicans’.”
US Diplomatic Engagements in Rome
US Vice-President JD Vance is scheduled to visit Rome for Easter, meeting with Meloni and prominent Vatican officials.
Balancing National Interests and European Solidarity
Meloni’s natural affinity with an administration that many in Europe find challenging to engage with has raised concerns. Some European observers worry that in private discussions, she might prioritize Italy’s interests, seeking more favorable conditions for Rome individually.
Concerns over Bilateral Negotiations
French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci recently voiced opposition to “bilateral talks,” cautioning that Trump’s strategy aimed to “divide Europeans.” These remarks sparked unease in Rome and were subsequently softened by a French government spokesperson.
EU’s Unified Front and Meloni’s Diplomatic Mission
The European Commission has conveyed confidence in Meloni, with a spokesperson stating that “any outreach to the US [is] very welcome.” However, the spokesperson also emphasized that Meloni’s visit was being “closely coordinated” with EU institutions, underscoring that trade policy negotiations are the EU’s prerogative.
EU Trade Authority and Italy’s European Commitment
The EU negotiates trade agreements on behalf of all member states, preventing individual countries from securing preferential tariff reductions. Meloni’s team appears to acknowledge this, with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani affirming that Meloni “is not going to negotiate for Italy against Europe but is going to champion a European position.”
Seeking Common Ground: Trade and Geopolitics
Ultimately, Meloni’s core objective may be to underscore the EU’s commitment to a zero-tariff agreement and its willingness to increase purchases of American goods, particularly in defense and liquified natural gas (LNG).
Anti-China Discourse as a Potential Incentive
Furthermore, Meloni might convey, discreetly, Europe’s cautious approach to forging deals with China. Alcaro suggests this “anti-China discourse” could serve as an “incentive” for the US administration.
Domestic Political Reactions to Meloni’s US Trip
Within Italy, Meloni’s political allies publicly praised her Washington trip even before her departure. Augusta Montarulli, an MP from Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, hailed the meeting as demonstrating Meloni’s “courage and stature.” However, Senator Giovanbattista Fazzolari offered a more tempered assessment, cautioning that the trip would be “full of potential pitfalls.”
Opposition Criticism and Contrasting Visions
Center-left opposition parties seized the opportunity to criticize Meloni’s close ties to the Trump administration. Peppe Provenzano of the Democratic Party (PD) remarked, “I suspect Meloni will return waving the Trump flag rather than Italy’s or Europe’s. I hope to be proven wrong.”
Meloni’s Jocular Acknowledgment of Pressure
Addressing business leaders in Rome, Meloni alluded to her upcoming Washington visit with nervous humor, joking, “As you can imagine, I’m feeling no pressure at all.”