Meloni meets Trump: Italy tries to protect the EU from new trade tariffs
During talks in Washington, Giorgia Meloni seeks to persuade Trump to revise tariffs threatening the Italian economy, while maintaining EU unity.
Still from video @Giorgia Meloni / x.com
USA. On April 17, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a bilateral meeting in Washington with Donald Trump, where they discussed trade tariffs, defense commitments, and policy coordination regarding China.
Italy is trying to ease the pressure from new American tariffs, and Meloni's visit to Trump is an attempt to resolve this not only in Rome’s interests, but for the entire EU.
Meloni, known for her personal rapport with Trump, arrived in the US with a mandate from the Italian government and with EU support.
On the eve of the meeting, she held consultations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, demonstrating that she is acting within the framework of a common European approach, according to Euractiv.
The main topic of the talks was American tariffs on European goods. Rome is particularly concerned about the recent introduction of a 25% tariff on cars, which threatens a sharp drop in Italian exports to the US, currently valued at $5.2 billion. Italy’s export-oriented pharmaceutical industry is also at risk.
According to Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the government is working on restarting relations with Washington and hopes for a softening of tariff policy. In return, the US may expect a tougher EU stance on Beijing and increased defense spending.
Behind the scenes, broader strategic issues were also discussed. The sides touched on the topic of strengthening the Western front in response to China’s economic influence, as well as support for Ukraine.
The Italian side hopes Meloni’s personal ties with Trump will help the EU remain united and develop a common stance in dialogue with the US.
