Amidst the tumultuous interrogations by opposition members in Italy’s Parliament, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faced a persistent question: “Are you with Europe or the United States?” She deflected this query by asserting her allegiance to Italy and, by extension, Europe. Meloni clarified that she doesn’t blindly follow either Europe or the United States. However, she expressed her support for Western unity, emphasizing its importance for both continents. This stance has placed her in a delicate position, brokering her ideological affinity with former U.S. President Donald Trump and Italy’s need to fortify the continent’s security and economy.
During Trump’s inauguration, Meloni appeared to be a potential bridge between him and Europe. She attended his inauguration alone, aligned with his stance against liberal ideologies, befriended tech mogul Elon Musk, and showed eagerness to play this diplomatic role. However, as Europe and Washington grow distant, she finds herself caught in a precarious balancing act, trying to maintain amicable relations with both sides.
It remains to be seen whether Trump, known for his antagonistic posture towards Europe, desires a bridge, especially since major European leaders like those from Britain and France seek the liaison role. As Europe increases military spending and prepares for potential trade wars, Meloni advocates for pragmatism while avoiding alignment. The constant crises with Trump will only exacerbate the difficulty of her stance, according to analysts.
Meloni’s tactic of not taking sides until forced to do so seems precarious. If the transatlantic alliance faces further strain and a rift between the USA and Europe widens, her position will become unsustainable, warns Giovanni Orsina, a political scientist at Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome. Despite these challenges, Meloni has established herself as a credible European leader due to her support for Ukraine and NATO. She has also navigated conservative fiscal policies, which have alleviated the worries of European critics.However, critics accuse her of duplicity for her Janus-faced political maneuvers.
Meloni’s dual role as an Italian nationalist aligned with Trump’s hard-right movement, while leading a country intrinsically linked to Europe’s fate, is a complex conundrum. To avoid alienating either side, she has adopted strategic silence, or when necessary, advocated for Western unity through traditional bonds. She walks a fine line on various issues, such as NATO and tariffs, while trying to maintain good relations with Trump.
Despite her claims of liaison, other European leaders, like those from Britain and France, are actively vying for the same role. Meloni’s measured responses to controversies initiated by Trump have been characterized by her endorsement of a cease-fire negotiation but less vocal support for Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. She has also encouraged a U.S.-Europe summit in response to tensions, but such a meeting has yet to occur.
While Italy’s military spending, which falls short of NATO’s 2 percent GDP requirement, may cause friction with Trump, Meloni has called for moderation and negotiation on tariffs, warning against a “vicious circle” of retaliation. Her relationship with Trump remains amicable, with both leaders expressing admiration. However, the sustainability of her diplomacy is a persistent question, reflected satirically in Italy’s annual carnival parade with a float depicting her in a pair of oversized jodhpurs, playfully suggesting her propensity to adopt political stances as needed.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/31/world/europe/italy-meloni-trump-europe-tensions.html
