ROME (ITALPRESS) – The idea that Italy should choose sides between the United States and Europe is “childish” and “superficial.” Premier Giorgia Meloni says this in an interview with the Financial Times.
For the Council president, it is “in everyone’s interest” to overcome tensions in transatlantic relations, and the reactions of some European leaders to Donald Trump are “a bit too political.”
Meloni stresses that she does not see the U.S. president as an adversary and will continue to respect Italy’s “first ally.” “I am conservative. Trump is a Republican leader. I am certainly closer to him than to many others, but I understand a leader who defends his national interests,” the premier explains. I defend my country.
And on tariffs he states, “Do you really think that protectionism in the United States was invented by Donald Trump?”
Donald Trump’s controversial approach to European defense can be a “stimulus” for the continent to take responsibility for its own security. “I like to say that crisis always hides an opportunity,” he explains.
“Relations with the United States are the most important we have,” says Meloni, who reiterates, “Italy can have good relations with the United States, and if there is something that can be done to avoid a clash” between Washington and Europe “and to build bridges, I will do it, and it is in the interest of Europeans.”
“Sometimes I get the impression that we simply respond on instinct,” but on these issues “you have to say ‘Keep calm, guys. Let’s think about it.'” Thus Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni speaking about the European Union’s reaction to the tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. In particular, Meloni says that while overall tariff levels between the United States and Europe are more or less equivalent, duties on specific items are causing friction. “There are big differences on individual goods,” she explains. “This is what we need to work on to find a good common solution.
-Photo IPA Agency-.
(ITALPRESS).
