EU-US Trade Tensions Escalate Amidst Italian Diplomacy

The European Union is preparing for potential new tariffs from the United States despite recent talks between EU and US officials, which have yielded little progress. The US has announced investigations into EU imports of pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, potentially leading to new tariffs. The EU has retaliated against existing US tariffs with duties worth over 20 billion euros on US goods, and is preparing additional countermeasures. Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni is meeting US President Donald Trump, potentially to discuss trade tensions and protect Italy's exports, which had a surplus of 40 billion euros with the US in 2024.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is set to meet with US President Donald Trump, sparking hopes and concerns about the potential impact on European unity. As a right-wing leader with ties to Trump, Meloni's visit has raised questions about whether she will prioritize Italy's interests or maintain European cohesion. Despite concerns, many officials believe Meloni can facilitate dialogue between the EU and the US, particularly on trade issues. Trump's tariffs have strained EU-US relations, and Meloni's meeting with him comes as European leaders try to persuade him to relent. While some fear Meloni's visit may undermine EU unity, others see it as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the US and protect European interests. Meloni has walked a fine line between nurturing her relationship with Trump and preserving Italy's role within the EU.

The European Union is re-engaging with China due to US President Donald Trump's hostility towards Europe. Top-level visits and diplomatic calls have increased, and negotiations over a dispute on EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles have restarted. The EU is considering new opportunities with China, with one official stating that they would be "fools not to use our market as a lever now with the Chinese," while another emphasized the need for pragmatism and making Europe stronger.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is visiting Washington to meet with President Donald Trump, with the European Union hoping she can help strike a trade deal. Meloni, who leads Italy's most right-wing government since Mussolini, is seen as a potential bridge between the EU and Trump due to their friendly relations, with Trump having praised her as a "wonderful woman".