Giorgia Meloni's visit to Donald Trump in Washington is a high-stakes endeavor, aiming to position Italy as a key interlocutor between the US and the EU, particularly regarding trade disputes. The timing is particularly challenging, given Trump's recent remarks about negotiating with countries, and Meloni faces considerable uncertainty about the visit's outcome.
Meloni seeks to leverage her perceived friendship with Trump and secure a deal to reduce tariffs, even after his announcement of favoring negotiation only with the EU, not individual countries. The visit occurs as Meloni simultaneously receives the US Vice President, adding to the complexity.
Meloni's position is made even more difficult by balancing the needs of Italy with the expectations of the EU. She assures that she represents the EU, not Italy alone, receiving backing from the European Commission. However, she faces scrutiny from both domestic opposition and France, who question her loyalty to the European Union.
The visit tests Meloni's credibility, as she previously defended Trump's actions, even those viewed as detrimental to the EU. This trip requires a delicate balancing act, aiming to secure tangible benefits for the EU from Trump while overcoming skepticism. Successfully mediating would strengthen her image, but failure risks damaging her reputation.
Meloni's visit can be seen as a response to Pedro Sanchez's visit to Beijing, raising concerns within the EU and prompting Meloni to seek US support against China. The visit will likely touch upon securing Italy's interests, including preventing Chinese control of the port of Trieste, and ensuring increased defense spending.
The US-Italy trade balance favors Italy significantly, creating leverage for Trump. Italian businesses in various sectors anticipate increased pressure from Trump, highlighting the significant risks and potential rewards of Meloni's visit to Washington.