Rome (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is en route to the US to meet with Donald Trump, seeking to launch a personal charm offensive to persuade the US president to agree to a more favourable deal on EU tariffs.
As reported, Meloni has looked to maintain relations with the mercurial leader despite the widespread disruption induced by his tariff policies. Still, she has denounced as “wrong” his 20 percent duties on exports from the EU.
Since the onset of Trump’s trade war with the bloc, Meloni has implored Brussels to refrain from retaliation, advocating for a calm approach. She positions herself as the sole EU leader capable of de-escalating the conflict, thanks to her personal rapport with the US president.
On Wednesday, Italian newspapers suggested that Meloni might face a situation akin to the February meeting at the White House with Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, where Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized their guest in front of reporters.
Can Meloni sway Trump on EU trade policy?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Meloni has remained a strong supporter of both Ukraine and Zelensky, recently condemning Moscow’s Palm Sunday assault on Sumy as “horrible and vile. ” Meloni, the sole EU leader invited to Trump’s inauguration in January, has recognized the uncertainty surrounding her brief visit.
“We know we’re going through a difficult period, let’s see how it goes in the coming hours. I don’t feel any pressure, as you can imagine, for my next two days, let’s say,”
She made a joke during an awards ceremony for Italian products on Tuesday.
“Surely I am aware of what I represent and I am aware of what I am defending,”
She also said.
Meloni stated that the aim is to remove reciprocal duties on current industrial products, aligning with a “zero for zero” framework proposed by the European Commission earlier this month.
“We must definitely prevent a tariff war,”
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso stated to reporters on Tuesday, noting that Meloni plans to “convince everyone we need to talk” during her visit to Washington.
“Initiating bilateral discussions will undoubtedly disrupt the current dynamic,”
Warned France’s industry minister, Marc Ferracci, last week, stating that
“Europe’s strength lies in its unity. “
Can Italy lead the EU out of trade tensions?
A spokeswoman for the French government later stated that all voices promoting dialogue with the United States are welcome. Similarly, a European Commission spokeswoman remarked on Monday that, although only the EU can negotiate trade agreements, Meloni’s outreach is greatly appreciated.
The spokeswoman stated that her meeting was “closely coordinated” with the EU and highlighted that Meloni has maintained ” regular contact ” with EU chief Ursula von der Leyen.
