^{Source: France 24}

A Diplomatic Balancing Act in Washington

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump today in Washington, marking the first face-to-face engagement between Trump and a European leader since his administration announced—and subsequently suspended—a 20% tariff on European imports earlier this month. The meeting places Meloni at the center of escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union.

Meloni, leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, has been dubbed a "Trump whisperer" due to her rapport with the U.S. President. Their previous meeting at Mar-a-Lago in January lasted five hours, during which Trump praised her as a "fantastic woman" who is "really taking Europe by storm." ​

Tariff Turmoil: The Numbers Behind the Dispute

In early April, President Trump announced a 20% "reciprocal" tariff on all imported goods from the EU, citing the bloc's persistent trade surplus with the U.S. He later reduced the duty to 10% for a 90-day period to allow for negotiations. The EU, in response, paused its planned retaliatory 25% tariffs targeting $28 billion worth of U.S. exports, including bourbon whiskey, motorcycles, and peanut butter. ​

Italy, the eurozone's third-largest economy, recorded a trade surplus of $57.5 billion in 2024, up from $34 billion the previous year. Exports rose by 2.9% year-on-year, driven by strong demand for Italian goods such as machinery, medical products, cars, clothing, and food and drink. ​

Meloni's Mission: Mediate and Mitigate

Meloni aims to leverage her relationship with Trump to mediate the trade dispute and prevent a full-blown trade war that could harm both economies. She has emphasized the importance of pragmatism and open dialogue, stating that the EU must "maintain a pragmatic, constructive and open approach towards the new Trump administration." ​

However, Meloni faces the challenge of representing not just Italian interests but those of the entire EU. Analysts caution that her close ties with Trump could backfire if perceived as undermining EU unity. Wolfango Piccoli, co-president at risk consultancy Teneo, noted that the visit "represents a key opportunity for her to demonstrate both her closeness to President Donald Trump and her potential role as a credible interlocutor capable of revitalizing transatlantic dialogue."​

EU's Stance: Unity and Preparedness

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed the EU's willingness to negotiate but also its readiness to implement countermeasures if talks fail. In a recent interview, she stated, "The West as we knew it is dead," highlighting the erosion of traditional Western alliances and emphasizing Europe's commitment to democracy and global trade.

The EU has postponed the planned reintroduction of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods worth billions by two weeks, moving it to mid-April, to provide additional room for discussions with the U.S. government. ​

Looking Ahead: Stakes and Expectations

Meloni's meeting with Trump is seen as a critical juncture in EU-U.S. relations. With Italy's significant trade surplus and reliance on exports to the U.S., the outcome of these discussions could have substantial economic implications. The EU will be watching closely, hopeful that Meloni can help bridge the divide and steer negotiations toward a mutually beneficial resolution.​

As the 90-day tariff suspension period progresses, the pressure mounts for both sides to find common ground and avert a trade war that could disrupt global markets and strain longstanding alliances.

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