Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is in Washington for talks. The dispute over tariffs between the US and the EU was also discussed during her meeting with US President Donald Trump. In this context, Trump expressed his belief that there will be an agreement "100 percent". Because, according to the US president, the EU will "definitely" make an agreement. He said that he expects an agreement, "but it will be a fair agreement". Meloni also expressed optimism about a solution and praised the US as a "loyal partner". The aim is to find a middle ground, but she said that she is "sure that an agreement can be reached", said Meloni.
Meloni establishes "communication bridges"
Like many other European heads of government, the Italian prime minister has strongly criticized Trump's statements on the imposition of new customs tariffs. At the same time, she is striving for a good relationship with the US president and has offered to mediate in the establishment of "bridges of communication". Meloni said that she will invite Trump to Italy and weigh the possibilities of organizing a meeting with other Europeans. The Italian prime minister will also meet with US Vice President JD Vance in Rome after returning from Washington on Friday (18.04.2025).
Italy accepts two percent increase target for defense spending
The future of NATO was also a topic of the Trump-Meloni talks in Washington. Meloni emphasized in her conversation with Trump that her country adheres to the two percent quota for defense spending. There is a determination in Europe to do more for defense. A little later, Italian Finance Minister Giorgetti declared this promise before the parliament in Rome. "According to current estimates, Italy will increase defense spending to two percent of the country's gross domestic product this year, and we will increase our spending on security at home," Giorgetti said. Among NATO's founding countries, Italy is lagging behind in implementing the 2014 decision to increase defense spending. In 2024, Italy's defense spending, according to NATO estimates, was 1.49 percent.
Praise from the White House
Trump was full of praise for the Italian visitor: "She's an extraordinary prime minister. I think she's doing a fantastic job in Italy. We're very proud of her." Among European prime ministers, Meloni is considered by Trump to be one of his favorite negotiating partners. The leader of the right-wing Fratelli d'Italia party attended Trump's inauguration in January and had previously visited him at his private residence in Mar-a-Lago in Florida. Trump did not comment on whether he would meet with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is negotiating tariffs on behalf of member states. But he said: "We have no problem reaching an agreement with Europe or with anyone else." /DW/ (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
