Giorgia Meloni has established itself as a key figure in the European geopolitical board complex. His closeness with Donald Trump, demonstrated on a recent visit to Washington where they exhibited a unusual tune even between traditional allies of the United Stateshas raised its international profile, but has also reopened tensions within the European Union on how to manage the relationship with the unpredictable US president.
A direct link with Trump
During his meeting at the White House, Meloni was not only well received by Trump, but he managed to compromise him, at least in word, to negotiate a tariff agreement with the 27 members of the EU. Despite skepticism about the reliability of its promises, the gesture is a diplomatic achievement. Meloni also defended in person key positions of the EU, and contrary to Trump’s postulates, such as the condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the rejection of American protectionist policy.
The link was further reinforced with Trump’s acceptance of A future visit to Italywhere he would meet with other European leaders.
European coordination
Meloni does not act for free. Before his trip to the United States, he consulted with key figures such as the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and with German leaders Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz, reflecting a will for consensus and institutional coordination.
There is no lack of those who think that it is, vice versa, that Trump has found in it a Trojan horse to divide Europe. Even so, it is relevant to emphasize that, unlike other leaders such as Hungarian Viktor Orbán, Meloni has supported key community positions in matters such as the tariff response to the US and the defense of Ukraine against Russia.
Europe before the crossroads
The truth is that the great debate is whether Europe is committed to being understood with the United States, even if it is covering its nose, waiting for everything to happen in four years. O Break is thrown into the arms of China renouncing the foundational principles of the most democratic and prosperous Europe in history. The European challenge is, therefore, to find balance and for that, more than ever, what is needed is unity.
