On the eve of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s institutional trip to Washington, where she will meet President Donald Trump, who has been back in the White House since January, we interviewed Antonio Giordano, deputy of Fratelli d’Italia and secretary of the European Conservatives and Reformists – ECR Party. An interview that touches on the hot dossiers on the transatlantic table: from the truce on duties to the challenges on common defence, passing through the crucial role that Italy – and Meloni in particular – are playing as a political bridge between Europe and the United States. Giordano has no doubts: “Giorgia Meloni is the right figure at the right time.
Mr Giordano, what is the main focus of PM Meloni’s mission to Washington to strengthen Italy-US relations? And how does the international role of the ECR, until recently led by Meloni herself, fit into this context?
Meloni goes to the US for an appointment before the truce on tariffs. A choice made at a time when it was really difficult to make it. Today, thanks to this truce, there is finally room for discussion. He goes to the US because he is the prime minister of Italy, the leader of one of the countries with the largest exports to the US, and because Italy has a long friendship with Washington. But he also goes because he is one of the most appreciated European leaders, recognised in Europe for his ability to build and manage strategic relationships, thus also facilitating possible future developments. I would say it is one of the most courageous and responsible positions: we all have to say good luck to you , President. Not like certain owls who hope everything goes wrong.
Do you think Giorgia Meloni, also as a European figurehead, could convince President Trump to support a ‘zero tariffs’ policy? What diplomatic or strategic levers could she use?
Meloni is a serious person, and is recognised as such. If anyone in Europe is capable of talking to Trump, it is her. Of course, the subject of duties – whether many or none – is too complex to be resolved in a single bilateral. Not least because Meloni is there as Italian prime minister, but with the support of the European Commission, which she hopes can also lend a hand on this front. We are optimistic: where there is room for dialogue, and there is a figure like Meloni in the field, good things can happen.
On the defence front: how does the government intend to reassure the US about its commitment to reach 2% of GDP? Is this a realistic target or will there be margins for flexibility?
It is a stated goal. We all agree that 2 per cent is necessary. But we are also aware that defence does not only mean armaments. Defence means tools to increase security through deterrence, but also opportunities: jobs, research, innovative technologies that have always improved the lives of mankind.
