Italy’s Meloni will test her mettle as EU-US bridge when she meets Trump in Washington

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni will have a significant opportunity to act as a mediator between the European Union and the United States during her meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday. She will be the first European leader to meet with Trump since he announced and then suspended 20% tariffs on European exports. Meloni’s meeting is crucial amidst the ongoing trade war, and she has been tasked with representing the European Union. She has been in close communication with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before the visit, ensuring a coordinated approach.

Meloni emphasized the importance of the commercial relationship between the EU and the U.S., which amounts to 1.6 trillion euros ($1.8 trillion) in annual trade. While the European Commission is advocating for a zero-for-zero tariff deal with the U.S., the Trump administration has not shown signs of yielding on the 10% tariff on foreign imports. The temporary pause in increased tariffs has raised hopes for negotiations, with experts suggesting that Meloni’s focus will be on understanding Trump’s objectives rather than seeking immediate concessions.

As the leader of a far-right party, Meloni shares some ideological views with Trump but has also shown differences, particularly in her support for Ukraine. Despite these differences, Meloni has approached the situation with caution, recognizing the need for stability in the trans-Atlantic alliance. The meeting holds significance for Italy, which maintains a 40 billion euro trade surplus with the U.S., fueled by exports of products like wine, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Parma ham, and luxury fashion items.

The meeting takes place amid concerns over the impact of escalating tariff wars on global uncertainty. Italy’s growth forecast has been revised downward due to these uncertainties, and Meloni is also expected to address Trump’s call for NATO partners to increase military spending. Experts advise against expecting immediate concrete progress from the meeting, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a cautious approach and seeking clarity on future relations between the two countries on trade, defense, and Ukraine policy.