Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reassured American conservatives at CPAC on Saturday that Europe and the United States would remain aligned under Donald Trump. This despite mounting tensions over Ukraine.
Addressing the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) via video link from Rome, Meloni joined other right-wing European politicians at the event.
Relations between the US and Europe have become increasingly strained during Trump’s second term. His outreach to Russia and hints at reducing European commitments have raised concerns about NATO’s stability.
Meloni criticised “ruling classes” and the “mainstream media,” arguing that Europe was not in decline.
“Some hope that President Trump will distance himself from us,” she said. “Knowing him as a decisive and capable leader, I am confident that they will be proven wrong.”
As leader of the Brothers of Italy party, Meloni was the only EU head of government to attend Trump’s inauguration in January. She has been positioned as a potential link between the EU and the Trump administration but has largely avoided direct comment on his recent statements and policies.
Despite her strong backing for Kyiv, she has not addressed Trump’s recent remarks, including his reference to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator.” Trump has also moved to sideline both Ukraine and European allies in discussions about the war’s future, fuelling concerns that he may make concessions to Russia.
Meloni stressed that security was now Europe’s primary concern. She praised European support for Ukraine but avoided directly referencing Trump’s position.
“The Ukrainian people are courageously defending their freedom against aggression,” she said. “We must work together for a just and enduring peace, which requires strong leadership.”
Controversy Over CPAC Participation
Meloni’s presence at CPAC sparked criticism from opposition politicians after former Trump strategist Steve Bannon was accused of making a Nazi salute at the event.
Despite pressure to withdraw, Meloni insisted she “couldn’t miss” the conference.
Opposition figures urged her to follow the example of Jordan Bardella, leader of France’s National Rally (RN), who withdrew from CPAC after the alleged incident, citing a “gesture alluding to Nazi ideology.”
Elly Schlein, leader of Italy’s centre-left Democratic Party, condemned Meloni’s participation, stating, “She should have the decency to distance herself from this far-right gathering.”
“For days, she has remained silent on Trump’s attacks against Ukraine and the European Union,” Schlein added in a statement on Friday.
