Prime Minister Georgia Maloney. Photo: Roberto Monaldo / Keystone Press Agency / Global Look Press
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni has called for a “rational” approach to the dispute between the US and the EU over new tariffs imposed by Washington on European goods. She stressed the importance of preserving transatlantic unity, especially in the face of global instability, AFP reports.
Trump’s tariffs and the threat of a trade war
US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of new duties, including a 25% tax on imports of European cars and a 200% tax on champagne, wine and other alcoholic beverages from the EU. This move provoked a strong reaction from Brussels, which is considering retaliatory measures.
The tariffs come amid tensions between the US and Europe over security and defence issues. Trump’s policies towards Russia and the war in Ukraine have raised concerns among European leaders about Washington’s continued support for the region’s security.
Maloney’s call for unity
Georgia Maloney, speaking at the congress of the Italian opposition party Azione (Action), said that she considered it her duty to defend the transatlantic partnership, even if it has to be “rebuilt”.
“There are differences on the table regarding tariffs, but that is why it is important not to act impulsively but to approach the issue rationally,” she said.
Despite disagreements over economic policy, Maloney stressed that the United States remains “Italy’s first ally”. She also supported the words of US Vice President J.D. Vance, who criticised Europe for abandoning the principles of freedom of speech and democracy.
Opposition and possible consequences
Meloni’s opponents in Italy and the EU criticised her position. The leader of the Democratic Party of Italy, Ellie Schlein, accusedthe government of “turning into Trump’s Trojan horse in Europe”.
At the same time, the head of the Italian business association Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, warned that an escalation of the trade war could have catastrophic consequences for the Italian economy, as the US is one of the key markets for local producers.
European defence and Ukraine
Although Georgia Meloni generally supports strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities, she has categorically ruled out sending Italian troops to Ukraine to monitor a possible peace agreement.
“We can talk about strengthening our defence, but this does not mean that Italy will take part in direct military missions,” she said in an interview with the British Financial Times.
Thus, Italy is caught between two fires – on the one hand, maintaining its partnership with the United States, and on the other, trying to avoid the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs and prevent an escalation of military commitments in Europe.
