Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni dismissed the idea that Italy must choose between the US or Europe, calling it “childish” and “superficial.” In her first interview with a foreign newspaper since taking office in 2022, Meloni emphasized the importance of overcoming the deep-seated tensions in transatlantic relations and characterized the reactions of some European state and government leaders to Donald Trump as “somewhat political.”
Meloni said many of the complaints from the White House about European trade practices and defense spending are simply an echo of previous US administrations. “Do you really believe that protectionism in the US was invented by Donald Trump?” she asked.
The Italian prime minister partially agreed with the US government’s criticism of Europe, saying it was not directed at the people of Europe, but at the “ruling class.” She presented herself as a “bridge-builder” between the US and the EU and expressed solidarity with US Vice President J.D. Vance, who had accused Europeans of not adequately valuing freedom of opinion and democracy. “I must say I agree. I’ve been saying that for years. Europe has lost its way a bit” she said.
Meloni also emphasized the need for the EU to remain calm in the face of US trade measures, saying “sometimes I have the impression that we simply react instinctively. When it comes to these issues, we must say: ‘Stay calm, people. Let’s think.'”
She noted that while the tariffs between the US and the EU are roughly the same, the high tariffs on certain products are causing tensions. Meloni also criticized the EU’s slow decision-making process, saying it was being outpaced by the US, which can sign off on 100 implementing regulations in a day.
The Italian prime minister expressed skepticism about the French and British proposal for a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, which could be perceived as a provocation by Moscow. Instead, she supports the expansion of the NATO defense clause under Article 5 to Ukraine, without actually admitting Ukraine to the alliance, which she believes would be “simpler and more effective” than other proposals.
Many European governments, including Germany, are planning far-reaching rearmament plans, convinced that Russia, regardless of what happens in Ukraine, will remain “the greatest security problem in Europe.” Meloni was ambiguous on this point, saying that while Russia could be a long-term threat, the country must be prepared to defend itself against any kind of threat, whether from the East or the South.