Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni branded the idea of picking sides between Europe and the United States as both “childish” and “superficial”. Since Donald Trump took office in January, a series of tariffs have been imposed on various countries around the world, with the latest levy hitting Europe’s car market.
While various European leaders have responded differently to the snowballing trade war, Ms Meloni said it was “in the interests of everyone” to overcome the increased strains in the transatlantic relationship. The Italian PM described some of the EU head’s reactions to Mr Trump as “a bit too political”. The conservative leader insisted that she would continue to respect her country’s “first ally”, adding that she does not see the president as an opponent.
“I’m conservative. Trump is a Republican leader. Surely I’m nearer to him than to many others, but I understand a leader that defends his national interests,” Ms Meloni told the Financial Times. “I defend mine.”
Mr Trump has placed a 25% tariff on imported autos, expecting to raise $100 billion (£77bn) in tax revenues. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the US President announced the new tax which will commence from April 2. Any models not built in the U.S. will be hit with extra charges if vehicles are sold in the country, with fees likely to be passed onto consumers.
France and Germany have responded to the tariffs with a strong stance of retaliation, saying the bloc needs to hit back while reiterating the need for negotiations to continue.
Germany’s acting Economy Minister Robert Habeck said, while he promises to support the Commission in reaching a deal, the EU should “not back down in the face of the USA. Strength and self-confidence are required.”
Similarly, French Finance Minister Eric Lombard said in a radio interview on Thursday that “the only solution for the European Union will be to raise tariffs on American products in response.” He condemned the U.S. for “completely changing its economic policy in a very aggressive way.”
However, Ms Meloni stressed the importance of avoiding a transatlantic rift, remaining steadfast in her view of Italy’s relations with Mr Trump’s country being “the most important relationship that we have”.
“Italy can have good relations with [the] United States and if there is something that Italy also can do to avoid [a US] confrontation with Europe and to build bridges, I will do that — and it is in the interest of the Europeans,” she said.
