ROME – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for a “reasoned” approach to the escalating tariff war between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) on Saturday, emphasizing the importance of transatlantic unity.
US President Donald Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on both allies and adversaries, including a 25% levy on auto imports starting next week and a 200% tariff on champagne, wine, and other alcoholic beverages from the EU.
The tariffs coincide with rising tensions over defence, as Trump’s overtures to Russia regarding the Ukraine war have raised concerns among EU leaders about Washington’s commitment to Europe’s security. Meloni, leader of the Brothers of Italy party, stated that she felt it was her “responsibility” to defend and rebuild transatlantic unity if necessary.
“Of course, there are differences on the table regarding tariffs, but precisely for this reason, I believe we should act in a reasoned, not impulsive, way,” she said during a meeting of the centrist opposition Azione (Action) party.
The US is a crucial trade partner for Italy, accounting for over 10% of its exports, with machinery and related components making up half of these exports. Emanuele Orsini, head of Italian business lobby Confindustria, warned that a trade war would be a “huge problem for Italy” and expressed hope that the EU could negotiate a resolution.
Despite her party’s eurosceptic leanings, Meloni described the US as Italy’s “first ally” in an interview with the Financial Times. She echoed US Vice President JD Vance’s criticism that Europe had strayed from its commitment to free speech and democracy.
“I have to say I agree,” she told the daily, adding: “I’ve been saying this for years… Europe has somewhat lost its way.”
However, Elly Schlein, leader of the centre-left Democratic Party, accused Meloni’s government of acting as a “Trojan horse” for the Trump administration within the EU.
While Meloni has supported boosting Europe’s defence capabilities in response to Washington’s shifting priorities, she ruled out deploying troops to enforce a potential peace settlement in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Matteo Salvini, leader of the eurosceptic League party and a junior coalition partner, opposed the defence plan, arguing that it primarily serves to boost the German economy.