‘Crisis hides an opportunity’: Meloni positions Italy as US-Europe bridge

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has said that her country will not choose sides between the US and Europe, adding that Rome can act as a bridge between the two as tensions simmer over the Russia-Ukraine war.

In an interview with Financial Times, Meloni said that it was “in the interests of everyone” to mend transatlantic ties. She said, “Italy can have good relations with the United States and if there is something that Italy also can do to avoid  confrontation with Europe and to build bridges, I will do that — and it is in the interest of the Europeans.”

Meloni has made an effort to steer clear of any criticism toward the White House, maintaining a notably discreet stance, even as European leaders have expressed strong outrage in response to attacks from the Trump administration.

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‘I’m nearer to Trump than any others’

Meloni suggested that Italy’s “first ally”, the US and its president Donald Trump, are not an adversary and that she would continue to respect Washington despite what her European colleagues say.

Trump has been receiving criticism for growing close to Russia and has been accused of sidelining Ukraine’s interests as the US tries to broker a ceasefire deal between the two countries.

“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. I defend mine,” Meloni said.

Meloni also expressed hope that Trump’s “confrontational” stance on European defense would serve as a much-needed “stimulus” for the continent to take charge of its own security. “I like to say that crisis always hides an opportunity,” she remarked.

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Meloni defends Trump’s remarks on Europe

Donald Trump has made several scathing remarks about Europe and its leaders, particularly concerning defense spending, NATO, and the European Union.

“I have to say I agree,” she said. “I’ve been saying this for years . . . Europe has a bit lost itself,” Meloni said as she defended Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s criticism.

She added, “Trump’s criticism of Europe was not aimed at its people, but at its ruling class . . . and the idea that instead of reading reality and finding ways to give answers to people, you can impose your ideology on people”.