Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called on the European Union to adopt a pragmatic and constructive stance towards the incoming administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, as concerns over a potential trade war continue to grow.
Speaking in parliament on Tuesday ahead of the European Council summit in Brussels, Meloni stressed the need to avoid commercial disputes between Europe and the US.
“It is essential to maintain a pragmatic, constructive and open approach towards the new Trump administration, using areas of potential and fruitful EU-US cooperation and trying to prevent commercial disputes that wouldn’t benefit anyone,” Meloni said.
The EU has been preparing for trade challenges since Trump’s re-election campaign, during which he vowed to impose tariffs of 10% to 20% on imports from all foreign countries. China would face even steeper tariffs of 60% under his proposals.
A key EU ally for Trump?
Meloni’s relationship with Trump has raised eyebrows in European political circles. In recent months, the two have exchanged praise and posed together for photos, fuelling speculation that Meloni could become one of Trump’s closest allies in the EU. With Germany and France grappling with political challenges, Meloni’s influence in EU-US relations may prove significant.
Meloni’s remarks come amid Trump’s repeated accusations that the EU “does not buy enough” US exports, particularly American cars, despite the bloc “selling millions and millions” of vehicles in the US. During his previous term, Trump described Europe as a “foe” of the United States.
Data from the US Census Bureau highlights the economic stakes. In 2023, the EU exported $576.3 billion (€549.2 billion) worth of goods to the US, generating a trade surplus of $208.6 billion (€198.8 billion).
Prepared to respond
Last month, the EU’s ambassador to the US, Jovita Neliupšienė, said the bloc was prepared to respond to any renewed trade tensions under Trump’s administration. However, she did not outline specific measures.
Meloni has previously argued that Europe should focus on its own priorities rather than fixating on US policy. “Don’t ask what the US can do for you, ask what Europe should do for itself,” she said at an EU leaders’ meeting in Budapest, paraphrasing former US President John F. Kennedy.
“Europe must find a balance,” Meloni added. “I’m thinking of the issues of competitiveness and tariffs.”
Growing rapport
Meloni and Trump’s growing rapport was on display earlier this month when the two dined together in Paris at an event marking the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Trump reportedly described Meloni as a “real live wire” and praised her leadership, calling her “a fantastic leader and person”.
In a post on X last week, Meloni shared a video of Trump’s comments, thanking him for his “kind words”.
