Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, calls for a reason-based approach to address the growing tariff dispute between the EU and the US while emphasizing the importance of maintaining transatlantic unity. The United States President, Donald Trump, has introduced wide-ranging tariffs on both its allies and adversaries, including a 25% tax on vehicle imports and a 200% tariff on EU exports like champagne and wine. These measures contribute to existing tensions over defense issues, as Trump’s outreach to Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict raises concerns about the US commitment to the continent’s security among EU leaders.
Meloni, belonging to the post-fascist Brothers of Italy party, emphasizes her dedication to defending and rebuilding transatlantic unity as necessary. While acknowledging the presence of tariff differences, she advocates for a considered approach rather than acting impulsively. With just over 10% of Italian exports aimed at the US, primarily machinery and related components, a trade war could significantly impact Italy. Emanuele Orsini, the head of the Italian business federation Confindustria, also expresses concern about the potential costs of a trade war for Italy.
Despite her party’s eurosceptic stance, Meloni asserts that the US remains Italy’s primary ally, rejecting any notion of having to choose between Europe and the US. She opposes the vice-president JD Vance’s claim that Europe has abandoned its commitment to free speech and democracy, agreeing with his accusation.
In response, Elly Schlein, the leader of the center-left Democratic party, accuses Meloni’s government of aligning itself with the Trump administration within the EU. While Meloni supports plans to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities in response to Washington’s shifting stance, she rules out sending troops for peace enforcement in Ukraine. However, her junior coalition partner, Matteo Salvini from the eurosceptic, anti-immigration League party, opposes the defense plan, suggesting it serves as a pretext to benefit the German economy.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/italian-pm-calls-for-reasoned-approach-to-escalating-tariff-war-between-eu-and-us
