ROME — Italy’s right-wing Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is strategically positioning herself to become a central figure in fostering relations between the U.S. and Europe as she aligns with President-elect Donald Trump, following a surprisingly amicable rapport with U.S. President Joe Biden. Meloni’s recent visit to Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate exceeded her expectations, providing her an opportunity to establish what she claims could be a “strong relationship,” which she described as potentially solid yet diplomatically refrained from labeling it as privileged.
Meloni articulated the significance of a robust trans-Atlantic partnership between two conservative administrations, suggesting that it would add value not just for Italy but for Europe overall. However, experts are divided on how this relationship might play out. Some speculate she might either become a key advisor to Trump or risk acting as a vehicle for his agenda in Europe. Political science professor Franco Pavoncello noted that Meloni is emerging as a primary contact for Trump in Europe, especially given the sparse options around her.
In a climate where Italian governments frequently change and rarely complete full terms, Meloni’s administration stands out as stable compared to major European and G7 nations, including Germany, France, and Canada. She has successfully transitioned her far-right Brothers of Italy party, once considered fringe, into a more mainstream political force, particularly in foreign affairs, gaining prominence after a notable performance in the EU elections.
During her trip to Florida, Meloni was also engaged in securing the release of Italian journalist Cecilia Sala from Iran, who was arrested in mid-December. Following her return from the U.S., Sala was freed, a situation Meloni attributed to “diplomatic triangulation” involving the U.S., Italy, and Iran. Despite speculation surrounding potential U.S. involvement in the release, especially regarding Elon Musk’s reported connections to Sala’s family, Meloni emphasized that the positive imagery of her with Trump would enhance her credibility.
On the ideological front, Meloni aligns closely with Trump’s views, especially concerning migration. She is pursuing partnerships with African nations to stem migration and plans to conduct stringent vetting of male asylum seekers at newly established centers in Albania. Her government has also prioritized conservative family policies, such as prohibiting surrogacy and initiatives aimed at restricting abortion access. The duo displayed good rapport during discussions at the reopening celebrations for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, further solidifying their connection.
However, her unexpected ties with President Biden have drawn attention. Initially skeptical about Meloni’s ascent, Biden’s concerns lessened as she affirmed Italy’s support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and indicated a willingness to reevaluate Italy’s involvement in China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Their meetings in Washington were notably significant for an Italian leader within such a brief timespan, culminating in a phone call where Biden acknowledged Italy’s contributions to Ukraine and its leadership roles in multi-national agreements.
Yet, the emerging alliance between Meloni and Trump carries inherent risks. While her relationship with Biden is pro-Atlantic, Trump’s preferences might clash with Italian priorities. Trump’s call for NATO allies to boost defense spending could place Italy in a challenging situation, especially since it currently falls below the 2% target. Analysts suggest that Trump may seek a method to engage Russia over Ukraine, potentially putting Italy in a tough dilemma.
Meloni has already had to clarify Trump’s controversial statements, framing them as deterrent rhetoric rather than aggressive intents. Additionally, Trump’s suggestions of imposing tariffs could severely impact Italy’s economy, which relies heavily on exports, raising concerns over potential job losses and the adverse effect on Italy’s trade surplus with the U.S.
In conclusion, while Meloni is committed to safeguarding Italy’s interests, her nationalistic stance may create friction within broader European unity, especially regarding issues like defense spending and trade disputes. Emerging collaborations, such as a reported agreement involving Musk’s SpaceX for communications technology, could further complicate Italy’s relationship with European initiatives. Experts warn that it might be naive to assume she will prioritize EU interests, with many indicating that her alignment tends to lean towards more nationalist tendencies.
