Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has become the first European leader to meet Donald Trump since his decision earlier this month to impose 20% tariffs on European Union goods, in response to the EU’s 25% tariff on American exports.
Both sides have now agreed to suspend the tariffs for 90 days, giving room for negotiations.
The stakes are high: the United States accounts for about 10% of Italy’s exports, worth approximately €67 billion ($76 billion). Ahead of the meeting, Meloni said she was “fully aware of what I represent and what I am defending,” hinting at her role as a potential bridge between Europe and Trump.
Meloni is expected to push for a “zero-for-zero” tariff deal, hoping her personal rapport with Trump could influence the outcome positively.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who hasn’t yet spoken directly with Trump since his return to the political stage, has reportedly discussed the meeting with Meloni.
However, not all EU leaders are comfortable with Meloni’s solo approach. French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci warned that Trump’s strategy of bilateral talks could be an attempt to divide the European bloc. Although Ferracci’s remarks were later toned down by a French government spokesperson, the concerns remain.
Italy has rejected suggestions that the meeting undermines European unity, asserting that it is acting in the best interest of both Italy and the EU’s economic stability.
This visit may not only shape future EU-US trade dynamics, but also redefine Italy’s role within Europe as a potential interlocutor with a Trump-led America.
