Summary and Tips:
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Giorgia Meloni and Donald Trump linked up in Washington to chat about the "greatness of the West."
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These two leaders roll on a common ideological wavelength, but they're not on the same page when it comes to Ukraine.
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The meeting zeroed in on the need for a trade deal between the EU and the U.S.
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Meloni is juggling her national interests with keeping the European squad tight.
Highlighted Tips:
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Dialogue and Negotiation: Keep it diplomatic when you're tackling trade beefs.
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Strategic Alliances: Link up with leaders who are on the same wave as you, value-wise and goal-wise.
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Balancing National and Regional Interests: Make sure your moves are a win-win for your country and your allies.
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Clear Communication: Spell out your intentions crisply to dodge any mix-ups.
The Shared Vision of Meloni and Trump (and Milei... and Bukele)
"Received by Donald Trump in Washington this Thursday, Giorgia Meloni highlighted the 'excellent relationship' with the U.S. 'Together, we can make the West great again,' she declared from the Oval Office."
"Alongside the U.S. president and his VP JD Vance, Giorgia Meloni emphasized the 'excellent relationship' with the U.S. 'Together, we can make the West great again,' she affirmed. 'When I talk about the West, I'm not just talking about a geographical area, but a civilization,' she stressed."
Ideological and Political Differences
"The only EU leader invited to the U.S. president's inauguration on January 20th, the head of the ultra-conservative coalition in power in Rome, has the White House tenant's backing. They share a wide ideological base, from abortion restrictions to immigration hurdles, from their Christian faith to battling the 'woke crowd.'"
"However, the Ukraine issue drives a wedge between them: Giorgia Meloni, a guardian of an anti-communist tradition rooted in the fascism that shaped her Atlantism, is one of Kyiv's fiercest defenders since the Russian invasion. While she slammed the 'ongoing barbarity' in Ukraine after a deadly Russian attack on Sumy on Sunday, Donald Trump, lamenting 'a horrible thing,' echoed the Kremlin's argument of it being a 'mistake.'"
Impact on Global Trade
"Especially with the punitive tariffs announced by the conservative president, a certain idea of economic patriotism that both defend in a globalized trade context has hit a snag. Dependent on its industry's exports, which make up nearly a quarter of its GDP, Giorgia Meloni criticized these tariffs while keeping the dialogue open and urging Brussels not to retaliate."
"Italy sends over 10% of its products to the U.S., its third-largest trading partner. About 10% of German exports and 7% of French exports also head to the U.S. So, it's all about keeping the peace in Rome. 'We must absolutely avoid a tariff war,' declared the Industry Minister, Adolfo Urso, adding that Giorgia Meloni will try in Washington to 'convince everyone of the need to talk.'"
Meloni's Strategy
"Her two-step strategy and closeness to Donald Trump worry her European partners, like France's Industry Minister, Marc Ferracci, who has voiced fears that she might go solo. 'If we start having bilateral talks, it's obvious that it'll disrupt the current dynamics,' he warned last week."
"'I don't feel any pressure,' Giorgia Meloni joked Tuesday night on the sidelines of a ceremony for business leaders. 'I'm aware of what I represent and what I stand for.'"
The European Commission and European Unity
"The European Commission also wanted to calm things down. The president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the Italian leader 'are in regular contact,' a Brussels spokesperson assured on Monday. They've been in touch with us in recent days to discuss this mission, and they'll be in touch before it happens."
"Reminding everyone that the Commission has exclusive jurisdiction over trade agreements, they insisted that 'any approach to the U.S. is welcome' and 'closely coordinated.' According to a European diplomat interviewed by AFP, 'there's no problem' as long as any leader from the bloc traveling abroad 'carries the European message' to 'strengthen European unity.'"
Meloni's Position in the EU
"Apart from Forza Italia, the right-wing liberal party founded by Silvio Berlusconi, the other two parties in Rome's governing coalition, Giorgia Meloni's Fratelli d'Italia and Matteo Salvini's League, are culturally Eurosceptic. However, Giorgia Meloni has softened her stance since taking office at the end of 2022, with Italy being the main beneficiary of the EU's post-pandemic recovery plan, receiving nearly €200 billion in grants and loans in exchange for reforms until 2026."
"To her right, her deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, still backs Donald Trump against 'the German Ursula von der Leyen.' 'There won't be any controversy during my trip,' the Italian leader warned. Giorgia Meloni will only make a brief visit to Washington and return on Friday in time to welcome the U.S. vice president, JD Vance, in Rome."
Trump's Optimism and Trade Deals
"Trump is optimistic about a trade deal with the EU when talking to Meloni: 'Of course, there will be one.'"
"Before the meeting that Meloni tried to play as a card to boost her influence within the EU, Trump framed the visit as part of the homage paid by various countries since the tariffs were imposed."
"U.S. President Donald Trump was optimistic when meeting his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni. At Thursday's White House meeting - the first time a European leader has visited Trump since the start of the trade war - the Republican showed good vibes with the far-right leader. 'Of course, there will be a trade deal. They want it, and we'll do it, I hope, but it has to be a fair deal,' the mogul insisted."
Meloni's Trip to Washington
"The trip that was meant to boost the political profile of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni... The far-right leader met her U.S. counterpart in Washington on Thursday to keep smoothing out tariff negotiations during the 90-day partial truce. A pause during which a 10% tax on European products is already in effect and could rise to 20% in July."
"Meloni assured the U.S. president upon arrival that she believes in the 'unity of the West' and that 'we just need to talk' to reach a tariff agreement, which she said she's confident they can achieve."
"'I'm sure we can reach an agreement, and I'm here to help with that. I can't close this deal on behalf of the European Union,' Meloni argued when asked if the EU would reconsider reapplying retaliatory tariffs if no trade deal is reached. The Italian also took the opportunity to extend an invitation to Trump to visit Rome."
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