Meloni visits Trump: can she be Europe's bridge builder?
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington today for talks that will presumably focus on defusing the tariff dispute between the US and Europe. The two leaders enjoy a good personal relationship. Europe's press discusses whether the EU will benefit from this encounter - or whether the post-fascist politician only has Italy's interests in mind.
A delicate phase
Meloni is effectively representing the EU here, writes La Repubblica:
“Donald Trump is receiving Giorgia Meloni today with the intention of persuading her to participate in the creation of a trade pact between the US and the EU aimed at isolating China and reshaping the global balance. ... For Europe, this means finding itself at a difficult crossroads, as evidenced by the reticence in Meloni's statements and in her talks with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in preparation for the mission to Washington. Both are aware of how delicate the moment is. Although the EU has repeatedly emphasised at all levels that it wants to maintain its relations with the US, going along with Trump's idea of creating a trade and customs agreement against China is fraught with difficulties.”
Unofficial ambassador for the EU
Italy's interests take priority for Meloni, but they happen to converge with those of the EU, La Stampa points out:
“The main objective of the visit runs on two parallel tracks: Italy-US and EU-US. Both are important. Although Meloni rightly puts Italy's national interests first - she is the head of the Italian government and does not represent others - it is in Italy's interest that the game between Washington and Brussels ends well: with as few tariffs as possible. Otherwise there will be a trade war with serious consequences for our economy. ... Giorgia Meloni believes in maintaining the alliance between Europe and the US. This is in Italy's - and Europe's - interest. She must convince Donald Trump that it is also in America's.”
Backed by Brussels and Berlin
The Italian prime minister is not acting alone, Sydsvenskan suspects:
“If EU leaders start holding bilateral talks this will undermine the bloc's united front, French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci warned last week. Since, then, however, France hasn't been the only country to have toned down its criticism. A spokesperson for von der Leyen has confirmed that Meloni coordinated her strategy with the Commission president ahead of the meeting. Germany is also signalling optimism that the Prime Minister, whom Trump has described as a 'fantastic leader and person', could use her good relationship with the US President to the benefit of the EU.”
Bid to prevent US troop withdrawal from Italy
Meloni's main goal is to convince Trump not to withdraw US troops from Italy, writes Trud:
“For the simple reason that in practice they are the biggest guarantee of the country's security and a serious deterrent against foreign aggression. ... Italy is one of the few Nato allies that has not even reached the minimum of two percent of GDP on military spending, and the prime minister probably plans to give Vance the guarantee that this figure will be reached by June and will will rise to at least 2.25 percent in the next budget.”