Shifting allegiances: Meloni's persisting back-and-forth between Brussels and Washington D.C.

Giorgia Meloni, the newly elected President of the Council in 2022, is set to address a significant trade issue in the Oval Office. Meloni aims to revive von der Leyen's proposal to eliminate tariffs on cars and industry, as part of an Italian government initiative to negotiate a reduction in tariffs with the U.S.

Italy, with a trade surplus of nearly $74 billion, positions itself as a bridge for mediating a broader agreement between the U.S. and the European Union. Meloni's political goal is to assert Italy as a bridge between Europe and the U.S., while expressing clear skepticism toward the EU's current trajectory. She seeks to expand Italy's international role without fully aligning with Brussels, emphasizing a recovery of Europe's foundational principles in democracy and competitiveness.

Meloni has repeatedly criticized the European Green Deal and pushed for its deep revision. She may continue the pendulum policy between Washington and Brussels, finding common ground with Trump and Vance on issues like opposing the "woke" ideology or globalist elites. However, some of the Italian right, particularly the League (coalition party), are irritated by the alignment with Brussels.

In terms of defense, Italy, which currently spends 1.5% of its GDP on defense, has reaffirmed its commitment to increasing defense spending to 2% of GDP in the short term, although Trump is pushing for 5%. Tensions with French President Emmanuel Macron persist, and the Italian government figures are aware that if the United States were to withdraw from NATO or undermine it from within, Italy would face significant difficulties.

Meloni seems to ignore instability signals within NATO, despite Trump and other American officials threatening its integrity. However, the Italian government has moved closer to Brussels due to the trade war with the U.S. Meloni proposes increasing European imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the U.S. to balance trade.

Meloni's government has defended Italy's adherence to ReArm, emphasizing its preventive and deterrent functions. However, the League voted against it in the European Parliament. Meloni has expressed criticisms of Europe's regulatory system in the digital services sector, aligning with Vice President J.D. Vance's views.

Despite the opposition parties and the League riding a new "pacifism," with the Italian public not seeming in favor of new defense spending or the European ReArm plan, Meloni's political vision remains markedly nationalist. Brussels has probably seen in Meloni's influence over Trump an opportunity to keep a dialogue channel open.

Meloni has strong support for Ukraine and good relations with Ursula von der Leyen, former U.S. President Joe Biden, and current U.S. President. This support is evident in her defence of Italy's adherence to ReArm and her proposal to eliminate tariffs on cars and industry.

In conclusion, Giorgia Meloni's government is navigating a delicate balance between asserting Italy's role as a bridge between Europe and the U.S., while expressing skepticism towards the EU's current trajectory and maintaining a nationalist political vision. The Italian government's approach to trade, defense, and digital regulation will be closely watched by both the U.S. and the EU.

Shifting allegiances: Meloni's persisting back-and-forth between Brussels and Washington D.C.