Giorgia Meloni has returned to a familiar role as a bridge between Europe and the United States, seeking to calm rising tensions over Greenland and the Arctic.
Speaking at a press point with Italian journalists in Seoul, the prime minister criticised forecasts of new US tariffs. She said the idea of punishing countries involved in Arctic security efforts was a mistake, adding she did not share this approach.
Meloni revealed she had spoken directly with Donald Trump. She said there had been “a problem of understanding and communication” over the Arctic Endurance exercise. Eight European countries took part, including Germany, France, the UK, and the Nordic states.
She stressed that the initiative should not be read as anti-American. Instead, she urged all sides to resume dialogue and avoid escalation. European partners, she added, had no intention of acting against the United States.
The prime minister said she shared Washington’s concern over Greenland and the wider Arctic region, describing it as a strategic area where hostile interference must be avoided. Trump himself has raised concerns about Russian and Chinese activity in the region.
In this context, Meloni argued, the troop deployments should be understood as a contribution to shared security. They were not directed at the United States, but at other global actors. She framed this position as an attempt to defuse tensions.
Meloni speaks with NATO Secretary General
Meloni confirmed she had also spoken with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and that Trump appeared interested in listening. She also described NATO as the correct forum for discussing Arctic initiatives.
This view echoed comments made earlier by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. He had dismissed Arctic Endurance as insignificant, citing the small number of troops involved. Both leaders argued that coordination should take place within the Alliance.
Later in the day, Meloni planned further talks with European leaders. A first exchange among EU ambassadors was scheduled at Coreper level. She also cited the Finnish president, Alexander Stubb, as a voice of common sense. “It confirms to me a job that” the Alliance “is starting to do”. ” In the course of the day,” the prime minister added, “I will also hear from European leaders.”
Stubb had warned against resolving disputes through pressure. He argued that tariffs would damage transatlantic relations and risk wider instability. Dialogue with the United States, he said, must continue.
Italian views differ in political parties
While Meloni was speaking, tensions flared at home. Matteo Salvini’s League party issued a harsh statement attacking European “weaklings” for sending soldiers north. Asked to respond, Meloni replied dryly, “There is no political problem with the League on this point.”
Opposition leaders were less restrained. Democratic Party secretary Elly Schlein accused the government of excessive deference to Trump. She said Italy should clearly defend Greenland’s territorial integrity as part of the EU.
Schlein argued that foreign policy could not depend on interpreting Trump’s intentions. She warned that trying to be the most Trump-aligned government in Europe risked isolation.
Carlo Calenda, leader of Action, also criticised Meloni’s stance. He dismissed talk of misunderstandings as evasive. He accused the prime minister of avoiding hard truths on tariffs, defence spending, and energy costs.
Five Star Movement leader Giuseppe Conte echoed these attacks online. He also mocked the idea that Trump’s interest in Greenland amounted to a simple misunderstanding.
