Giorgia Meloni revels in her status for being an eye-rolling, combative and decided chief. Now she’s obtained a brand new function – Italy’s prime minister is now a political peacekeeper.
Relations between Europe and America are awful. President Donald Trump did not simply impose tariffs on the European Union, however he referred to it as “pathetic” and claimed, with out details, that it had solely been created to thwart America.
On defence, Europeans imagine his dedication to NATO is now lukewarm, and plenty of seethe on the approach he has gone behind their backs to open talks with Russia about the way forward for Ukraine.
Throughout the continent, there’s an uneasy feeling that Washington is now nearer to Moscow than Brussels.
And into all of this walks Meloni – the one world chief to attend Trump’s inauguration earlier this 12 months and a dedicated believer in sturdy ties throughout the Atlantic.
Can Trump win deportation row?
On the floor, the 2 leaders are kindred spirits – right-wing populists who thrive on anti-migration sentiment and hark again to the allegedly forgotten greatness of their international locations.
Meloni, although, is extra versatile – the place Trump pushes on regardless, Meloni reads a room and reacts.
She travels with the blessing of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Fee, who’s finally accountable for framing any future commerce deal on behalf of Brussels. Meloni could attempt to ease the tensions brought on by tariffs, however she will not be capable of agree a brand new deal.
And whereas Washington would like to strike particular person offers with EU international locations, to weaken EU unity, Meloni is unlikely to play that sport.
However anticipate Trump to push her arduous. Italy has an enormous commerce surplus with america due to America’s want for Italian meals and its love of the nation’s luxurious items, and Italy’s reluctance to purchase something like the identical quantity of American items.
Meloni will discover herself underneath strain to spend cash on shopping for extra American fuel in return for all that Prada, Gucci and Parma ham going the opposite approach.
However – and there’s all the time a however – different European nations might be watching her techniques, nervous that Meloni may find yourself doing offers that work for her, however not for the union. Trump’s tariffs have elevated tensions.
Learn extra:
US markets fall as AI chipmakers mourn restrictions
Kidnapped US pastor rescued in South Africa
“We all know we’re in a tough second,” Meloni mentioned this week. “Most definitely, I’m effectively conscious of what I symbolize and what I’m defending.”
The 2 leaders will discuss defence and about Trump’s long-standing demand that European nations ought to spend extra. On that one, a minimum of, Meloni could discover herself on the again foot – Italy spends about 1.5% of GDP on its navy – approach, approach beneath the extent that America believes is acceptable.
On Ukraine, Meloni – not like some others in her wobbly coalition – has lengthy supported Kyiv in opposition to Moscow, however her earlier assertions that Ukraine might win have now been eased.
She is extra equivocal than Emmanuel Macron, as an illustration, about whether or not Europe can obtain something significant with out American navy assist, and few Italians assume their troops must be concerned in any future peacekeeping mission.
