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Meloni at Trump’s White House today: duties at centre of US-EU summit

The Italian premier aims at “zero duties for zero duties”, but the road is uphill. Energy and defence also on the table. Meanwhile, Vance is expected in Rome on 18 April

Giorgia Meloni will be at the White House today for the first official bilateral with President Donald Trump, with trade relations between the United States and the European Union at the centre. The confrontation takes place in the midst of the temporary freeze of reciprocal duties for 90 days, a truce that the Italian premier would like to transform into a long-term strategy.

‘I am aware of what I represent and what I am defending,’ the Prime Minister said on Tuesday, admitting that the face-to-face with Trump will be a ‘not easy’ mission, especially in light of the thorniest knot: that of tariffs.

The goal: away with duties
Meloni aims to convince the American president to embrace the “zero duties for zero duties” line, an approach shared with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with whom she is in constant contact. But it will not be easy: Trump seems to be inclined to reintroduce protectionist measures, and some European exponents, such as Justice Commissioner Michael McGrath, urge us to also consider the scenario of a no-deal.

According to Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari, a close collaborator of the Prime Minister, the game is ‘fundamental for Italy’, also in the light of possible repercussions on strategic sectors such as agrifood and manufacturing.

Energy and defence complete the agenda
The energy dossier will be another crux of the summit. Italy is reportedly considering new gas purchases, an operation that is part of the broader framework of negotiations with Washington. Another relevant topic: the increase in military expenditure. If the 5% of GDP, requested by Trump, is considered unrealistic, the 2% target remains in Rome’s sights.

J.D. Vance coming to Italy
In parallel, the White House made official the visit of US Vice-President J.D. Vance to Rome on 18 April. In addition to talks with Meloni, the programme also includes a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State. A step that further seals relations between Italy and the new US administration.

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