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Sunday, Apr 20, 2025
Outside the box.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Meets with Donald Trump to Discuss EU-US Trade Tensions
Meloni invites Trump for an official trip to Rome amid efforts to bridge the gap between the EU and US over trade tariffs
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with Donald Trump in Washington to discuss ongoing trade tensions between the European Union and the United States.
The meeting aimed to resolve the EU-US trade conflict, which has resulted in 25% import tariffs on steel and aluminium and cars, as well as broader tariffs on almost all other goods.
Meloni expressed optimism about resolving the issue, stating that she is 'sure we can make a deal' and is 'here to help with that'.
Trump also expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, saying 'we're going to have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else, because we have something that everybody wants'.
The meeting was preceded by discussions between Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as with Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his successor Friedrich Merz.
Meloni's office denied reports that she would seek special tariff exemptions on Italian products, emphasizing Italy's strong economic ties with the US beyond exports.
The summit also addressed Trump's demand for Nato partners to increase military spending to 2% of GDP, with Italy currently at 1.49%.
Following the meeting, Meloni announced that Trump had accepted her invitation for an official trip to Rome, which could happen 'in the near future' and may provide an opportunity for him to meet other European leaders.
The meeting aimed to resolve the EU-US trade conflict, which has resulted in 25% import tariffs on steel and aluminium and cars, as well as broader tariffs on almost all other goods.
Meloni expressed optimism about resolving the issue, stating that she is 'sure we can make a deal' and is 'here to help with that'.
Trump also expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, saying 'we're going to have very little problem making a deal with Europe or anybody else, because we have something that everybody wants'.
The meeting was preceded by discussions between Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as well as with Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his successor Friedrich Merz.
Meloni's office denied reports that she would seek special tariff exemptions on Italian products, emphasizing Italy's strong economic ties with the US beyond exports.
The summit also addressed Trump's demand for Nato partners to increase military spending to 2% of GDP, with Italy currently at 1.49%.
Following the meeting, Meloni announced that Trump had accepted her invitation for an official trip to Rome, which could happen 'in the near future' and may provide an opportunity for him to meet other European leaders.
