Italy's PM Meloni gears up for key Trump talks to tackle EU-US tariff war

Giorgia Meloni is gearing up for her highly anticipated bilateral meeting with former US President Donald Trump on April 16, with Italy hoping to reduce "reciprocal" tariffs that are currently in place between the EU and the US.

Although no formal mandate has been given, there are growing expectations from the European Commission that the meeting will result in a positive outcome, with Meloni positioned as a key intermediary in facilitating dialogue between the two powers, Caliber.Az reports via Italian media.

The proposal on the table is to return to zero tariffs—a suggestion likely to be dismissed by Trump for the time being. However, the more attainable goal is to negotiate a 10% reduction in tariffs for both sides.

The Italian government is optimistic that Meloni’s established rapport with Trump could prove crucial in the negotiations, as she is the only European leader with a close relationship to the US President.

Recent discussions between EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and US counterpart Howard Lutnick were described as "mostly positive, but inconclusive." Šefčovič has publicly expressed hope that leaders with strong ties to the US will help facilitate the process. Meloni's upcoming talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen may further align the EU’s strategy ahead of the Washington summit.

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