Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is due to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Thursday, becoming the first European Union leader to hold direct talks with Trump since his administration announced new tariffs on European imports earlier this month.
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment in transatlantic relations, with the EU and US seeking to avoid escalation into a broader trade war.
Trump had initially imposed a 20% tariff on all EU imports before reducing the rate to 10% for 90 days to allow room for negotiations.
Meloni, a right-wing leader and head of the Brothers of Italy party, met Trump in January at Mar-a-Lago, where he praised her as a “fantastic woman” who was “taking Europe by storm.”
Her return to Washington has raised expectations in Rome and Brussels that she could play a role in bridging differences between Trump and EU leadership.
Speaking ahead of her visit, Meloni called the tariffs “wrong” but emphasised the need for dialogue.
“Italy will do everything we can to work on an agreement with the U.S., with the aim of averting a trade war,” she said.
The European Commission has paused its planned 25% retaliatory tariffs and signalled support for negotiations.
Observers say Meloni’s diplomatic stance and rapport with Trump position her as a potential mediator, but warn she must show she is representing EU-wide interests.
Italy, the eurozone’s third-largest economy, posted a $43.9 billion trade surplus with the US in 2024.
Key exports include machinery, medical goods, and food and drink products, which Rome fears could be hit hard if talks fail.
Meloni is also scheduled to host US Vice President J.D. Vance in Rome on April 18.
